File

Official Newsletter of the
SPRING 2013 ISSUE NO. 39
Carers Centre
The Princess Royal Trust, Borders Carers Centre, Brewerybrig, Low Buckholmside, Galashiels TD1 1RT • Scottish Charity No. SC 028087 • Open: Monday-Friday 10am-2pm
Tel: (01896) 752431 • Fax: (01896) 756526 • For general enquiries e-mail info@borderscarers.co.uk • website: www.borderscarerscentre.co.uk
...to you all, and welcome to the
Spring edition of the Borders
Carers Centre newsletter.
We’re all hoping for some warmer weather
– particularly so this year, as we are proud to
announce the Grand Opening of our Carers’ Jubilee
Garden.
The garden is beside the Carers Centre and along
the banks of Gala Water and is a place where any
carer is welcome to come and relax. Somewhere
you can take time to yourself to gather your
thoughts and lift your spirits.
Last year, the Carers Centre was fortunate in
securing funding to develop a garden that carers
can use, and we are proud to say that, with the help
of B&Q who kindly donated tables, chairs, plant
pots and flowers, we are now ready to officially
open the Jubilee Garden, and hope that you will all
join us on 4th May.
The Jubilee Garden Planning Group and Young
Adult Carers have been busy organising a
traditional opening ceremony.
e!
su
is
r
We hope the sun shines and you will all come along
to support this special event.
As well as all our usual news and updates, we
include in this issue a special 12-page 'Welfare
Aware' information section prodced by Scottish
Borders Council which explains all you need to
know about the wide-ranging changes being
introduced by the UK Government to the welfare
benefits system. Many of these modifications come
into operation this spring and summer so it is
important that you read the section very carefully
to understand what these may mean for you.
Contact details are also featured in the section for
you to put your queries to staff who will be able
to help. Alternatively, you can contact Borders
Carers Centre, or get in touch with
Carers UK directly on 0808 808 7777
(email: adviceline@carersuk.org)
pe
We are also desperate for volunteers to help out on
the day as well as donations for our white elephant,
plant, cake and bottle stalls. Please hand any
donations to the Carers Centre as soon as possible.
If you would like to help out on the day, we would
be very grateful.
Benefit changes what you need to know
m
There will be lots of lovely activities on the day,
including a traditional cake and candy stall, white
elephant stall, face painting, glitter tattoos, a craft
stall and a prize raffle which includes afternoon
tea for two at Peebles Hydro Hotel, a day out at
Jedforest Deer Park, a tour of Lochcarron Mill,
Gunsgreen House and a Riding Lesson from
Nenthorn Equestrian. Entry fee is only £1 for adults
and 50p for children, and includes a glass of Spring
Punch and a traybake. All proceeds will go to the
Carers Centre.
Bu
B&Q have kindly agreed to open the garden, along
with the help of our very own special ‘King’ and
‘Queen’!
The cost of caring
Carers UK is launching
a year-long Caring
and Family Finances
Enquiry to provide a
definitive examination of the financial impact of
caring.
To launch the enquiry they’re asking carers to tell
them about the effect caring has on their lives.
If you have access to the internet, please take time
to complete the questionnaire, which will take
about 20 minutes. The results will be published
later in the year:
www.surveymonkey.com/s/stateofcaring2013
New Horizons
Borders'
Wellbeing
Wednesdays
This user-led mental health
charity now offers the
opportunity to join them for
a healthy breakfast, then, if
you’d like, a short walk and
a chat with friends every
Wednesday from 10am –
12pm.
Meet them at 10b Galabank
Mill, Galashiels or call for more
information on 01896 755510
Borders Carers Centre:
Carers Assessments
“Excellent Practice”
The Borders Carers Centre recently gave a
presentation on Carers Assessments at a
Coalition of Carers event in Glasgow, which was
attended by over 60 professionals, carers and
other centres.
As one of the first Carers Centre’s in Scotland to
carry out Carers Assessments, we were asked
to share our experiences with the attendees,
who then broke in to workshops to discuss and
learn.
Feedback following the presentation was very
positive, particularly as many local authorities
are still struggling with Carers Assessments.
The delegates finished the day feeling very
enthusiastic about the work of the Borders
Carers Centre, and hoping to replicate the
good practice we have developed, in their own
centres.
2
Training for Carers Update
Kirsty Archibald has been back in post organising the
Carer Training Programme for the year in addition to her
role of Carer Support Worker for Tweeddale and Hawick.
The feedback from courses last year was very positive and
Kirsty found each group who attended laughed, cried and
learned together.
Please see the free courses on offer for Spring/Summer
2013 below and contact Kirsty to book a place as soon as
possible
Kirsty Archibald, Carer Support Worker & Training
Co-ordinator
❚ kirsty@borderscarers.co.uk ❚ 01896 752431
Become More Assertive
Tuesday 7th May
10am – 1pm, followed by a light lunch.
This course will look at how you can be clear with
family, friends and professionals about what you feel
and what you need.
Managing Guilt
Tuesday 21st May
10am – 1pm, followed by a light lunch.
Exploring and finding ways of living with stressful
situations within caring relationships by developing selfcare strategies.
Understanding Dementia Tuesday 28th May
10am – 2.30pm followed by a light lunch.
This course, run by Alzheimers Scotland will look at
what Dementia means, living with Dementia, common
difficulties and how to help.
First Aid Training
Thursday 6th June
10am – 1pm followed by a light lunch.
Please note this course will be held at The Red
Cross, 1 Wheatlands Mills, Galashiels
Aimed at those who wish to learn the basic of first aid
or those wishing to refresh their skills. The focus will be
on CPR, fractures and choking for adults and infants.
Guided Meditation Thursday 20th June 10am – 11.30am
Meditation can help relieve anxiety and stress. You will
learn how to take yourself through a meditation session
that you can do at home to help you relax.
Power of Attorney & Guardianship Tuesday 11th June 10.30am – 12pm
A local Solicitor will explain the benefits of having a
formal arrangement in place for dealing with financial
and health affairs for another person. There will also be
the opportunity for questions.
Moving and Handling Training At your convenience
Training will be provided in your own home and will be
tailored around the needs of the person you care for
and yourself.
To arrange Moving and Handling Training, please
contact Jack Ingle at the Carers Centre
01896 752431 or email jack@borderscarers.co.uk
April adventures
at Kielder
At the beginning of April the Carers Centre
took a group of eight young adult carers
aged between 18-25 years away for an
activity weekend at the Calvert Trust in
Kielder. We were there for two nights and a
great time was had by all.
The Calvert Trust was an amazing place
to stay and the staff could not have been
friendlier or more helpful. We were all made
to feel very welcome and everyone was able
to relax in the beautiful surroundings.
The purpose of the weekend was to give
the young adult carers some time out
from caring, the opportunity to meet
others in a similar situation and also the
Archery and aerial antics
were just two of the
activities sampled by the
young carers
opportunity to experience and take part
in new activities. The group tried Velcro
Olympics, archery, clay pigeon shooting,
canoeing and some went on a six mile
hike! The highlight of the weekend
though was the High Ropes. Many were
up for the challenge but those who
did not want to take to the ropes gave
support and encouragement to others. It
was a great team effort and a great sense
of achievement.
One of the comments we received was
“This was a brilliant weekend, can we do
it all again next year?”
…And here’s hoping that we can!!
Calling all parent carers
If you are caring for a child of any age and have worries or concerns about issues
such as respite, services or transitions etc. and would like to
feed into the Parent Carers Working Group, please contact
either Lynn Gallacher at the Borders Carers Centre on 01896
752431or Kathleen Travers at Borders Voluntary Community
Care Forum on 01896 757290.
Lynn and Kathleen are working in partnership to facilitate
a group for parent carers where they can have their say
and feed into the planning of services. We have a core
group of parents who attend regular meetings but
also a mailing list group so that if you would like
to be involved but are unable to attend regular
meetings you can have the opportunity to be
informed about what is going on and also have a
chance to have your say.
Sleepovers for Carers
This year we have been fortunate
to secure funding to enable us to
facilitate two residential weekends for
carers.
The first of these took place in February
in partnership with NHS Borders and
BVCCF when a residential training
weekend was organised for a group of
ten carers caring for someone with a
mental health problem. The weekend
was held in the beautiful and relaxing
surroundings of Peebles Hydro.
Topics covered at the weekend
included mental health legislation,
carers rights and also gave carers the
opportunity to feed into the Scottish
Government’s new Carers Charter.
A great weekend was had by all and
the carers attending felt that they
had benefited by not only learning
something new, but also having the
opportunity to have their voices
heard, being able to share and spend
time with others and above all have
time out for themselves and the
opportunity to relax.
If you would be interested in attending the group
or would like to be on the mailing list, please get
in touch with either Lynn or Katherine.
3
2013 sees the Carers Centre focus on
updating GPs and Community Hospitals
about the work of the Carers Centre and
helping keep carer awareness at the
forefront of their minds.
If the 103 GPs in The Scottish Borders
referred one patient per week over 52
weeks…. 5,356 new carers would be
recognised.
We are all committed to working in
partnership to achieve this and help
ensure carers are supported to care in a
healthy, happy way.
We always like to hear from
carers and welcome any stories,
tips or information you’d like
to share. Here, a Young Adult
Carer shares her story:
“I am 24 years of age and I have
been a carer for many years now.
I used to care for my father who
has epilepsy, sleep apnea, angina
and was struggling. I used to look
after my Gran as well by doing her
shopping every week.
Now I have two lovely children
and care for my Mum who has
depression and a form of epilepsy
which causes her to go in to a wee
world of her own, and black out. I
have to help her in and out of the
bath as she has a bad shoulder and I
help her with shopping and keeping
track of her money.
Bereaved by Suicide?
Do you feel isolated
because you have been
bereaved by the suicide
of a relative or friend?
Would you like the
support from others who
know just how it feels?
Contact Survivors of
Bereavement by Suicide
(SOBS) to find out about
support groups or if you
just want to talk, phone
Gwen 07561 319863
or email
gwen.sobs@gmail.com
www.uk-sobs.org.uk
National Helpline
0844 561 6855
(9am – 9pm daily)
The Carers Centre has been great.
My support worker has helped us
out by getting us a family holiday
and spending money as well as
money for a new living room carpet.
She got me on to a course through
Impact Arts which gave me a day
of rest. It helped me increase my
confidence and I also met a lot of
new friends. I am glad the Carers
Centre is there as they have helped
me become a better person and a
better carer.
Jean, a carer from Kelso, shares her recipe for
the wonderful Greek dish KRISTA STIFADO
Krista Stifado
Ingredients:
1 kilo beef
1 kilo onions (quartered, not
sliced)
1 small onion (chopped)
½ kilo tomatoes (skinned and
quartered)
½ cup olive oil and a little
more
100 grams butter
¼ cup vinegar or white wine
3 bay leaves
2-3 cloves
½ tsp of herbs of your choice
Lifestyle Adviser Support Service (LASS)
This service, based in your local Health Centre,
offers support to people who wish to make a
lifestyle change to improve their health.
You may wish to reduce your alcohol intake,
stop smoking, lose some weight, increase your
physical activity, discuss your emotional wellbeing
or other.
You will meet with a fully trained Lifestyle Advisor,
who will take the time to listen to your health
concerns and develop an action plan with you to
help you make and maintain these changes.
Please contact your local Health Centre and ask
to speak to the Lifestyle Advisor.
4
Carers’
Corner
Professionals Training
Method:
Cut beef in to cubes.
Heat oil in frying pan,
add meat and keep turning till colour has
changed.
Add small onion and cook a little, then
transfer this mixture to a larger pan. Add
tomatoes. Add vinegar (or wine) and cook
for about an hour on medium heat. Add
bay leaves, cloves, herbs, salt & pepper.
In another pan, cook the onions in butter
until soft. Add to the above, but do not
stir after adding onions. Simmer with lid
on for another hour or until onion is ready.
Serve with chips and salad.
October 2008 Employment and Support
Allowance—replacing
Incapacity Benefit
April 2011 Local Housing Allowance—
rates reduced, nondependent deductions
increased, shared room rate
extended to under 35s
January 2013 Child Benefit—withdrawn if
income over £50,000
April 2013 Housing Benefit—underccupancy rules introduced
Scottish Welfare Fund—
replaces Social Fund
Council Tax Reduction
Scheme—replaces Council
Tax Benefit
June 2013 Personal Independence
Payment (PIP) —replaces
Disability Living Allowance
(DLA) on a phased basis
Benefit Cap—£500/350 per
week
October 2013 Universal Credit—single
payment for people looking
for work or on low income
These dates may be subject to
change—contact the DWP for the
most up to date information.
The Welfare Reform Act 2012 represents the biggest change to the welfare benefits system for the past 60 years. It aims to simplify the benefit system, protect the vulnerable, reduce benefit dependency and get more people into work. When is it happening? The Welfare Reform Act became law on 8 March 2012. The government is implementing the changes on a phased basis and intend to have full implementation completed by 2017. Please note ‐ the information and timescales provided may be subject to change. The most up to date and accurate information is available from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) at: www.dwp.gov.uk or www.gov.uk Who does it affect? All existing and potential working age benefit and tax credit claimants will be affected. There will also be a significant impact on local authorities, housing associations, service providers, support agencies, voluntary organisations and the wider local and national economy. What about older people?
Single people and couples of pension age will not be affected by the changes at this stage. If a claimant or their partner is under pensionable age, the household may be affected—contact the DWP for more information. During 2013, the DWP is expected to announce changes to the criteria for Pension Credit entitlement and changes to how Housing and Council Tax Benefits are administered to older people. It is also anticipated that there will be changes to means tested benefits over the next few years which will apply to older people and their dependents. Age Scotland has produced a factsheet which sets out how the changes are likely to impact on older people, available at: www.ageuk.org.uk February 2013 | 1 5
What are the main changes? There will be changes to what benefits are called, the way benefits are claimed and what people are eligible for. Please note—the information below may be subject to change by the DWP—the most up to date information is
available at: www.dwp.org.uk and www.gov.uk Existing benefit New benefit / change Incapacity Benefit Employment and Support Allowance (for people unable to
work because of illness or disability) has been replacing
Incapacity Benefit for new claimants since October 2008.
Reassessment of existing claimants is taking place from April
2011-April 2014.
Local Housing Rates reduced from 50th to 30th percentile, deductions for nonAllowance—private dependents increased, shared room rate extended from under
sector housing 25s to under 35s.
Child Benefit Child benefit withdrawn for anyone with an individual income of
more than £50,000. Rates fixed until 2014.
Housing Benefit—social Social Sector Size Criteria—under-occupancy rules
sector housing introduced for working age tenants renting social sector
housing—benefit reduction of 14% for one extra bedroom and
25% for two or more extra bedrooms.
Housing Benefit is being abolished on a phased basis and will
become part of new Universal Credit benefit by 2017 (see
below).
Social Fund— Scottish Welfare Fund—a new local assistance scheme to be
Community Care Grants delivered by local authorities. Claimants will apply to SBC (not
and Crisis Loans the DWP) for Community Care Grants and Crisis Grants.
Council Tax Benefit Council Tax Reduction Scheme—a new system of localised
support to be delivered by local authorities.
Disability Living Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - for disabled adults
Allowance (DLA) aged 16-64 is being introduced on phased basis starting with
new claimants. Existing claimants are not likely to be affected
until 2015.
Benefit Cap Benefit Cap of £500 a week (couple and single parent
households) and £350 a week (single adult households).
Job Seeker’s Allowance, Universal Credit—a new, single payment for people who are
Income-related looking for work or on a low income. Being introduced on
Employment and phased basis, the DWP intend that in East and SE Scotland,
Support Allowance, new claims for Universal Credit will ‘go live' from October 2013,
Income Support, Child beginning with non-householders initially.
Tax Credits, Working
Tax Credits and
Housing Benefit
When Ongoing since
October 2008
Ongoing since April
2011
January 2013
April 2013
April 2013
April 2013
June 2013
June 2013
October 2013
February 2013 | 2 6
Employment and Support Allowance replacing Incapacity Benefit from October 2008 Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) provides financial help to people who are unable to work because of illness or disability. It also provides personalised support to those who are able to work. First introduced in 2008, it is replacing Incapacity Benefit and any claims for Income Support made on incapacity grounds. People already receiving Incapacity Benefit are gradually being migrated to ESA. How is ESA being introduced? New claimants All new claims are already being assessed under the ESA guidelines. Existing claimants Reassessment of existing claimants began in April 2011 and will continue until April 2014. Anyone currently claiming Incapacity Benefit who is likely to be affected by the changes will be contacted directly by the DWP. Income Based ESA if they have savings of more than £16,000 and their partner (if they have one) works for more than 24 hours a week on average. What happens when claimants apply for ESA? Claimants will be sent a medical questionnaire to complete and return. The majority of claimants will be asked to attend a Work Capability Assessment where their ability to carry out work related activities is assessed. The purpose of this assessment is to determine whether they are considered to have ‘limited capability for work’ or are found to be ‘fit for work’. NB: the same process will apply when Incapacity Benefit claimants are being migrated. What happens if a claimant is considered fit for work? If a claimant is assessed as being fit for work, they will be invited to apply for Job Seeker's Allowance and supported into employment. They can also appeal the decision. They have one month in which to do this. Late appeals will not be considered without good cause. How much will a claimant receive? Many people will qualify for ESA and see no change in the amount of money they receive. For others, ESA will be means‐tested which means the amount they receive will depend upon their income and savings. If a claimant’s Incapacity Benefit was greater than the amount they are due after being assessed for ESA, they will continue to receive the higher amount until the rate of ESA has come in line with this. What is the difference between contribution‐based ESA and income‐based ESA? Contribution‐based ESA Claimants may be entitled to claim contribution‐
based ESA if they have paid enough National Insurance contributions. Income‐based ESA Claimants may be entitled to claim income‐based ESA if they do not have enough money coming in or have not paid enough National Insurance contributions. They will not be considered for What happens if a claimant is considered to have limited capability for work? They will be paid ESA, although the amount will depend on their circumstances. It will also depend on what effect their disability has on their ability to do any work. They will receive a basic amount based on their age and an additional amount (called a component) which will be dictated by the group that they are placed in: Work related activity group Claimants in this component are expected to take part in work‐focused interviews with a DWP (contd. overleaf)
February 2013 | 3 7
personal adviser. They will get support to help them prepare for suitable work. The aim of these interviews is to identify possible training needs and current or future work opportunities. Support group If the claimant’s illness or disability has a severe effect on their ability to work, they won’t be expected to do so. People placed in this group are generally severely disabled or terminally ill. Being placed in this group exempts them from taking part in work focused interviews, work related activity or condition management. Is there a time limit for the receipt of ESA? Working and Child Tax Credit Local Housing Allowance from April 2011 Local Housing Allowance (LHA) helps toward the cost of rent for anyone who is a tenant of a private landlord. The amount paid depends on the LHA set for each area and the claimant’s income and circumstances. Since April 2011, the allowance has been updated annually. It was previously done monthly. The figure is now based on the 30th percentile of rents and not, as previously, on the mid point (50th percentile) of all rents. From April 2013, there will be increased deductions for non‐dependents i.e. anyone over the age of 16 who stays in the household. The Council is writing to everyone likely to be affected by this change. Child Benefit was withdrawn in January 2013 for people who have an individual income of more than £50,000. Rates are currently fixed until 2014. The benefit is payable to parents who are responsible for a child, or children, under 16 (or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training). Only one person can get Child Benefit for a child. www.gov.uk/employment‐support‐allowance www.gov.uk/housing‐benefit from January 2013 www.gov.uk/child‐benefit Find out more Find out more Find out more From April 2012, anyone in receipt of contribution based ESA will be limited to receive this benefit for a maximum of 365 days. After this period they can apply for income based ESA, which is means tested. This change in legislation is retrospective, which means that their year of eligibility will be measured from when they first started to receive it. The only exception to this is claimants in receipt of the support component which is not time limited. Child Benefit Working and Child Tax Credits will eventually become an element of the new Universal Credit benefit. Until then, claimants may be eligible for Working Tax Credit if they are aged 16 or over, work a minimum of 24 hours a week, get paid, have an income of less than £32,000 (for a family with two children) or £26,000 (for lone parent families). The amount they receive will depend on their income and circumstances. Claimants without children can also apply for Working Tax Credit. People may be eligible for Child Tax Credit for each child they are responsible for if they are under 16 or under 20 and in approved education or training. Claimants don’t need to be working to claim Child Tax Credit. Money is paid for each child that qualifies and Child Tax Credit doesn’t affect Child Benefit. Find out more www.gov.uk/browse/benefits/tax‐credits February 2013 | 4 8
Social Sector Size Criteria Who is entitled to a bedroom of their own? •
impacts on Housing Benefit from April 2013 •
•
•
From April 2013, all working age Housing Benefit claimants in a local authority or housing association property who have more bedrooms than they need will have their benefit reduced by: • 14% for one extra bedroom • 25% for two or more extra bedrooms. This is being called under occupancy, size criteria or the bedroom tax. In addition, Housing Benefit is being abolished on a phased basis from 2013‐2017 and will eventually become an element of the new Universal Credit benefit. •
•
An adult couple (married or unmarried and living together). Any other adult aged 16 and over. Any two children of the same sex aged under 16. Any two children aged under 10, regardless of sex. Any other child (other than a foster child or child whose main home is elsewhere). A carer who has a home elsewhere, but stays overnight to provide care. This means, for example, that a child under the age of 16 is expected to share with another child of the same gender. A child under the age of 10 is expected to share with another child under the age of 10 regardless of gender. What happens if a tenant (or their partner) has joint custody of children? Only one parent will be ‘allowed’ bedrooms for their children. This will be the parent who receives Child Benefit/Tax Credits. The other parent will be considered to be under occupying if he/she has extra bedrooms for children. What about Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)? Is everyone affected by the under occupancy rules? The new rule applies to all tenants, including those who are sick or disabled, who: •
•
are aged 16‐61 receive housing benefit, even if it is only a small amount. Tenants will not be affected if they (and their partner if they have one): These may be available for anyone: • living in significantly adapted accommodation • has a child with a severe disability • is a foster or kinship carer • with a disability who requires an additional bedroom. Applicants should contact Scottish Borders Council to find out more about eligibility criteria and how they can apply. Examples of under occupancy •
•
•
•
meet the size criteria live in a one bedroom flat or bedsit are old enough to receive Pension Credit. •
Clare lives alone in a two bedroom flat she rents from her housing association. She is currently receiving Job Seekers Allowance and Housing Benefit. As she only needs one bedroom, her housing benefit will be reduced by 14%. Bill and Irene have a son aged 11 years and rent a four bedroom property. They will be assessed as under occupying by two bedrooms and will (contd. overleaf)
February 2013 | 5 9
•
•
have their housing benefit reduced by 25%. Sarah, a lone parent with twin daughters aged 15, is renting a three bedroom flat. She will be assessed as under occupying by one bedroom and will have her benefit reduced by 14%. However, the twins will be entitled to a bedroom each when they turn 16. If Sarah is unable to pay the shortfall until then, she may apply for Discretionary Housing Payment from the Council as an interim measure. Sarah’s ex‐husband, Michael rents a three bedroom house with a new partner, Marion. He has joint custody of the twins but is not ‘allowed’ any bedrooms for them. He will have his housing benefit reduced by 25%. What options are available for people who are assessed as under occupying? The Council and local housing associations are contacting every tenant in the Borders likely to be affected by the changes, suggesting a number of options. These include: •
•
•
•
•
•
pay the difference and stay in the tenancy ask members of the household to pay more think about moving to a smaller tenancy think about how to manage with less money—
help is available from housing associations and the Citizens Advice Bureau if advice about budgeting and debt management is required look at ways of earning additional income think about sub‐letting a room, although this may affect the amount of housing benefit received so tenants should seek advice first. What about tenants of private landlords? Local Housing Allowance (LHA) helps toward the cost of rent for anyone who is a tenant of a private landlord. See page 4 for more information about this. Find out more www.gov.uk/housing‐benefit February 2013 | 6 10
Scottish Welfare Fund replaces the Social Fund from April 2013 From April 2013, the Social Fund—which currently delivers Community Care Grants and Crisis Loans—is being replaced by the Scottish Welfare Fund. The Fund will be administered by local authorities who will each receive an agreed allocation from the Scottish Government. What is the purpose of the Fund? The Fund will offer grants or in‐kind support in the form of: • Community Care Grants—to enable independent living or continued independent living, thus preventing the need for institutional care • Crisis Grants—to provide a safety net in an emergency or when there is an immediate threat to health or safety. Who can apply to the Fund? Applicants must be aged 16 or over and in receipt of one of the following: • Income based Jobseekers Allowance • Income related Employment and Support Allowance • Pension Credit • Universal Credit where this has replaced one of the previous three listed benefits. They must also meet the criteria that applies to the Fund they are applying to e.g. be coming out of care/prison (Community Care Grants) have a crisis which is causing immediate threat to their health and safety (Crisis Grants). The number of awards that a claimant can receive in any twelve month rolling period will normally be limited to three. Any further awards within this period will be at the discretion of the Council and will only be given in exceptional circumstances. How do people apply to the Fund? From April 2013, requests for Community Care Grants and Crisis Grants for living expenses should be made to Scottish Borders Council and not the DWP. Applicants will be able to apply: • By telephone—0300 100 1800. They will be called back and given a phone interview lasting 30‐60 minutes. If successful, the funds will be sent to their mobile phone or they will be given a card to redeem. • Online at www.scotborders.gov.uk. A downloadable paper copy will also be provided. • Face to face—interviews will be possible at local Citizens Advice Bureau offices. Vulnerable applicants will be able to apply at Social Work offices or through the Welfare Benefits Service. Find out more www.gov.uk/community‐care‐grant www.gov.uk/crisis‐loans Council Tax Reduction Scheme replaces Council Tax Benefit from April 2013 From April 2013, Council Tax Benefit is to be abolished and replaced by a Council Tax Reduction Scheme. This will be funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by local authorities. There will also be a 10% reduction in the funding coming from the DWP which will be met in part by the Scottish Government but will also result in less income for the Council. Do existing claimants need to do anything? During 2013/14 the scheme will operate in the same way as the current Council Tax Benefit. Claimants will automatically be transferred to the new scheme and will continue to receive the same level of assistance as they currently do. Further changes are expected in 2014/15. Details of these changes are still to be announced. Find out more www.gov.uk/council‐tax‐benefit February 2013 | 7 11
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) replaces Disability Living Allowance from June 2013 From June 2013, a new benefit called Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will gradually replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for disabled people aged 16‐64. DLA will eventually end for everyone of working age even if they have an indefinite period award. Working age means anyone who is aged 16‐
64 on 8 April 2013, the day PIP is introduced. How is PIP being introduced? •
•
New claimants PIP will be introduced for new claimants in parts of the north of England from April 2013 and nationwide from June 2013. Existing claimants From October 2013 ‐ reassessment to PIP starts for fixed period DLA awards coming up for renewal, young people turning 16 or where DLA claimants report a change in their condition. From October 2015, DWP will begin selecting existing DLA claimants and tell them what they need to do to claim PIP. DWP will prioritise DLA claimants who have turned 65 after 8 April 2013, when PIP was first introduced. Will claimants in receipt of DLA transfer automatically to PIP? There is no automatic transfer to PIP. DLA claimants will be advised when their reassessment is due. The DWP intend that all existing DLA claimants will have been given the opportunity to claim PIP by March 2016. Will there be a qualifying period for PIP? There will be a three month qualifying period for anyone not in receipt of DLA and claiming PIP for the first time. This is the period during which the claimant has had needs due to a health condition or disability. The needs arising from their condition or disability should be expected to last a further nine months in order to qualify for PIP. What is PIP made up of? PIP will be made up of a mobility component and a daily living component. Each component will have two rates—a standard and an enhanced rate. While PIP has similarities to DLA it does have different criteria and therefore, for example, a previous award of high rate mobility does not automatically translate to an award of enhanced rate mobility under PIP criteria. Will claimants have to attend a medical when being assessed for PIP? Claimants will usually be asked to attend a face to face consultation as part of the assessment process. If they have a severe health condition or terminal illness, they may be exempt from this. If a claimant currently receives DLA with a lifetime/indefinite award, will they have to be reassessed for PIP? Yes. This is because PIP will have different entitlement criteria to DLA. Will children in receipt of DLA be affected by PIP? No. At present anyone under the age of 16 will not be affected and will continue to receive DLA. Will pensioners in receipt of DLA be reassessed under PIP? Anyone aged 65 or over who is in receipt of DLA on 8 April 2013, the day PIP is introduced, will not be required to make a claim for PIP. They will continue to receive DLA for as long as they satisfy the criteria. If they are under 65, they will be reassessed. Will claimants in receipt of Attendance Allowance be reassessed under PIP? No. If they receive Attendance Allowance they will not be affected by the introduction of PIP. Will the current automatic eligibility for a Blue Badge (high rate mobility) be affected under PIP? The government has stated that it is their intention, where possible, to maintain ‘pass ported benefits’ such as eligibility for the Blue Badge scheme. Further information regarding this will be published once it the government has decided how this will work. Find out more www.gov.uk/pip February 2013 | 8 12
Benefit Cap from June 2013 The new Council Tax Reduction scheme is not included in UC and will be paid separately by local authorities. What about other benefits? UC will not replace: From June 2013, a cap will be placed on the level of working age benefits claimants may receive. The benefit cap levels, which include housing costs, will be set at: • £500 per week for couples (with or without children) and lone parents with dependent children • £350 per week for single adults. •
Is everyone affected by the Cap? The Cap will not apply to anyone who qualifies for: • Working Tax Credits | War Widows or Widowers Pension | the support component of Employment and Support Allowance | Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance | Industrial Injuries Benefits | War Disablement Pension and equivalent payments under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. Claimants should check with the DWP if they have any concerns about their benefit entitlement. When is UC being introduced? UC is being implemented by the DWP on a phased basis from October 2013 to December 2017. How is the Cap being introduced? The Cap will start in the London local authority areas of Bromley, Croydon, Enfield and Haringey. It will then be rolled out across the country. Find out more www.gov.uk/benefit‐cap Universal Credit from October 2013 Attendance Allowance | Bereavement Benefit | Carer’s Allowance | Child Benefit | contributory based Employment and Support Allowance | contributory based Jobseeker’s Allowance | Council Tax Benefit | Disability Living Allowance | Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit | Maternity Allowance | parts of the Social Fund | Pension Credit | Personal Independence Payment | Statutory Maternity Pay | Statutory Sick Pay | War Pension. Universal Credit (UC) is a major feature of the Welfare Reform Act. The aim is to help claimants and their families become more independent and simplify the benefits system by bringing together the following working‐age benefits into a single streamlined payment: • Income‐based Jobseeker’s Allowance | Income‐
related Employment and Support Allowance | Income Support | Child Tax Credit | Working Tax Credit | Housing Benefit. Claimants currently in receipt of any of the benefits being abolished by the introduction of UC will continue to receive that benefit until either their circumstances change or the DWP contact them to transfer their claim across to the new benefit. Dates remain subject to change but the proposed timeline is: • April 2013—UC will be available for new claimants in the Greater Manchester and Cheshire areas. • October 2013—UC will be introduced in one district per region across the rest of Britain for new claimants. Any existing benefit/ tax credit claimants who have a change of circumstances will be transferred to the new benefit. • April/June 2014–December 2017—all remaining existing benefit/ tax credit claimants will be transferred to UC. What’s different about UC? •
It will be available to people aged 18‐64 who are in work and on a low income, as well as to people out of work, including: parents, lone parents, people who are ill or disabled, carers (contd. overleaf)
February 2013 | 9 13
•
•
•
•
•
and people who are employed, unemployed or self‐employed. It will be responsive—as people on low incomes move in and out of work, they will get ongoing support, giving them more incentive to work for any period of time that is available. Most claimants on low incomes will still be paid UC when they first start a new job or increase their part‐time hours. Claimants will receive just one monthly payment, paid into a bank account in the same way as a monthly salary. Most people will be expected to apply online and manage their claim through an online account. Most claimants eligible for support for their housing costs will receive this as part of their monthly payment. How will people claim UC? The government wants at least 80% of claims for UC to be made online. They have tasked the DWP with delivering this target by 2017. To this end, claimants will be offered the following options for claiming UC: 1. online 2. by telephone when online services aren’t available 3. in person in exceptional circumstances. They will also be expected to inform the DWP of any changes in circumstance straight away, using the online system wherever possible. How much will claimants get? The amount of UC claimants might receive will depend on their family circumstances and any other income they have. If they are eligible, a standard allowance will be paid to them (and their partner where applicable). Couples must make a joint claim. Additional amounts will be paid according to family circumstances e.g. an amount for each child, a carer and/or housing costs. UC will be capped at £500 per couple, or £350 for single people without responsibility for children, per week. This means that even if a claimant’s circumstances result in a total payment of more than that, they will only receive the maximum of £500/350. Any shortfall will be reduced from their housing costs and will have to be met by the claimant. Exceptions apply in certain circumstances, e.g. if someone in the household receives DLA or PIP. How will UC be paid? UC will be administered by the DWP and paid directly to claimants on a monthly basis. Will housing costs be paid directly to landlords? Housing association tenants in receipt of Housing Benefit currently have their rent paid directly to their landlord. This will change under UC. Any housing costs will be paid to the claimant and it will become their responsibility to pay their landlord. Most private tenants in receipt of Local Housing Allowance are currently responsible for paying their rent to their landlords so should have less difficulty adjusting to the new system. Find out more www.dwp.gov.uk/policy/welfare‐
reform/universal‐credit/ February 2013 | 10 14
How are we responding to the changes? managing community anxiety through effective communication and engagement as the impact of reforms begin to be felt managing the impact of the Act on the business functions and income of both the Council and its partners. •
•
SBC is taking a community leadership approach in relation to implementing Welfare Reform for the Borders. The Act is a national issue which we are taking responsibility for delivering locally by working in partnership with key stakeholders, including: Scottish Borders Housing Association Berwickshire Housing Association Eildon Housing Association Waverley Housing NHS Borders Lothian and Borders Police Third and Private sectors, including the Citizens Advice Bureau. Five joint project teams have been established and are working with key partners to manage and mitigate the impact of the changes. More information is available from the following SBC officers: A joint programme board has been set up to support a co‐ordinated approach which includes working alongside partners to deliver the following key aims: • mitigating the impact of the Act on vulnerable members of the community, our strategic partners and the Council itself • mitigating the impact of the work programme on the local economy and the individuals affected, many of whom will have been out of work for a considerable period of time Programme Board David Cressey and Jenni Craig Programme Manager James Lamb Customer Services Project Jenni Craig and Gary Smith Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Project Cathie Fancy and Vera Baxter Pathways to Employment Project David Cressey and Jenny Williamson Business Impact Project Debbie Collins Communications Project Tracey Graham and Sue Bell February 2013 | 11 15
Find out more The government do not intend running a national awareness raising campaign about Welfare Reform as a whole. The DWP intend contacting all existing claimants affected by the changes directly as implementation progresses. Here in the Borders, a joint awareness raising campaign is being run to reinforce the message that changes are coming and that claimants should contact the DWP, local advice agencies and/or their local housing association for more information. Department for Work and Pensions www.gov.uk | www.dwp.gov.uk | 0800 055 6688 Scottish Borders Council www.scotborders.gov.uk/welfarereform Customer Services 0300 100 1800 Welfare Benefits Service 01896 661394 Citizens Advice Bureau www.cas.org.uk Galashiels 01896 753889 | Duns 01361 883340 Eyemouth 01890 750500 | Hawick 01450 374266 Kelso 01573 223516 | Peebles 01721 721722 Scottish Borders Housing Association www.sbha.org.uk | 01750 724444 Berwickshire Housing Association www.bhagroup.org.uk | 01361 884000 Waverley Housing www.waverley‐housing.co.uk | 01450 364200 Eildon Housing Association www.eildon.org.uk | 01750 725900 or 0845 6043733 16
Additional copies of this information sheet are available from: communications@scotborders.gov.uk | 01835 826601 | February 2013 February 2013 | 12