Making Ends Meet
What is Universal Credit?
Universal Credit is the cornerstone of the Welfare Reform Act 2012. It is designed to replace a range of existing means-tested benefits for people of working age, and comes into effect in October 2013 for all claims.
Welfare Reform
The Welfare Reform Act 2012 represents the biggest change to social welfare in the last 60 years. It will fundamentally reshape the UK's social welfare system. The main provisions of the Act will come into force from April 2013, Universal Credit will come into effect from October 2013.
Bedroom Tax ~ Frequently asked Questions
What do we mean by bedroom tax? When we talk about bedroom tax, we are talking about the number of under occupied bedrooms in your property, the Regulations give no definition of what constitutes a bedroom.
Home Contents Insurance
Your landlord, East Midlands Housing does not insure your furniture, belongings or decorations against theft, fire, vandalism and burst pipes and other household risks. You need to take out your own insurance.
Basic Bank Accounts
Some banks let you have a debit card to pay for your shopping and some let you pay your bills by standing order. Most let you take money out, pay money in or check your balance at bank counters.
Welfare Benefits
Welfare benefits are paid to make sure that there is a minimum standard of living that no one should fall below. There are basically two sorts of benefits, means-tested and non means-tested benefits.
Credit Unions
Credit Unions are not for profit, co-operative financial institutions. Members of Credit Unions are paid a yearly dividend on their investments although this cannot be guaranteed as it varies on the success of the Credit Union during the financial year.
Disability Living Allowance to be replaced by a new benefit called Personal Independence Payment
PIP will be for all new claimants, and all existing DLA working-age claimants will be reassessed. Working age are claimants between the age of 16 and 64.
Fuel Poverty
Living in cold homes can damage people's health and affect their quality of life. The elderly, children, and those with a disability or long-term illness are especially vulnerable.
