Rule change means families could receive more benefit

Nov 12 2009 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

WEST Lothian families are being encouraged to make sure they are getting the benefits they deserve.

More local families could be due more help with their rent and council tax, when the Child Benefit rules change on November 2.

Under the new system, Child Benefit will no longer be counted as household income when calculating entitlement to Housing and Council Tax Benefit.

This means that people who narrowly missed out on help in the past, may now find that they are entitled to awards of Housing Benefit and Council Tax benefit.

Isabel Hutton, executive councillor for social policy, said: “We are committed to reducing child poverty in West Lothian, through helping less well-off families access the benefits and tax credits to which they are entitled.

“This could help ease the financial burden on hundreds of West Lothian families, so I'd encourage as many as possible to contact our take-up team, who are already geared up to tackle the problem.

“The change in the rules regarding Child Benefit will allow us to bring even more financial help to families who need it.

“The Advice Shop in Bathgate's Waverley Industrial Estate, Waverley Street, will open every Saturday in November from 10am to 2pm with a team of experienced staff on hand to offer advice and take claims.”

Councillor Frank Anderson, executive councillor for services for the community, added: "In the current financial climate, it's important families make sure they get everything they are entitled to.

“A recent report estimated that between £240 and £530million in benefits was left unclaimed in 2006/2007, so I'd encourage anybody in West Lothian with dependant children to check if they are getting all the financial support they are entitled to.

“You can still qualify for help, even if you're in full-time employment and the only way to know for sure is to call our take-up hotline on 01506 776453.”

For example, from November 2, families with one dependant child could receive up to £13 extra Housing Benefit and up to £4 extra Council Tax benefit per week.

Those with two dependant children could receive up to £21.58 extra Housing Benefit and up to £6.64 extra Council Tax benefit per week, while families with three dependant children could receive up to £30.16 extra Housing Benefit and up to £9.28 extra Council Tax per week.

For families with more than three dependant children add on another £8.58 extra Housing Benefit per week for each dependant child and £2.64 extra Council Tax benefit.

The experienced benefit advisors on West Lothian Council's take-up hotline can be reached on 01506 776453, and they can help local residents claim all the welfare benefits they are entitled to, as well as any other financial help available through tax credits.