When are the big changes coming to benefits and what willl they be?

sellaconcepts

When are the big changes coming to benefits and what willl they be?

Is it going to be some form of universal credits?

What about total benefit cap of £500 per household? Will this include medical prescriptions etc? Will it really have to include everything?

Newly_retired

We don't know yet.

Jowo_2

This site lists the proposed changes by year

http://www.newcastle.gov.uk/core.nsf/a/wr_nav2_bennews?opendocument

Here is some official confirmation on the £500 pw cap for benefits and prescriptions do not seem to be factored into it.

http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/press_48_10.htm



"From 2013, household benefit payments will be capped on the basis of median earnings after tax for working households, which we estimate to be around £500 per week by 2013. All Disability Living Allowance claimants, War Widows, and working families claiming the working tax credit will be exempt from the cap. The cap will apply to the combined income from:

• The main income replacement benefits (Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Employment Support Allowance);
• Other means-tested benefits (including Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit);
• Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit;
• Other benefits (including Carer’s Allowance and Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.

One-off benefits and non-cash benefits, such as social fund loans and free school meals, will not be affected."
Updates to the Spending Review proposals are published here

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/adviser/updates/spending-review-2010/

Newly_retired

OK but things could change before 2013 which is why I said we don't know yet for sure.