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Welfare Reform Bill: keeping carers up to date
The Welfare Reform Bill will affect carers in different ways. Use the links on the right to get information for your own personal circumstances. A good starting point for information about the Bill and how it might affect carers is Carers UK's Guide
Some quick facts:
- A new benefit - Universal Credit - is to be introduced in October 2013, replacing six existing means-tested benefits and tax credits for working age people
- Carers who currently do not qualify for means-tested benefits and just get Carer’s Allowance at £53.90 a week will not be directly affected by the introduction of Universal Credit. The Government has not announced any plans to reform the Carer’s Allowance.
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and will be introduced in 2013 and 2014
- Social fund community care grants, budgeting and crisis loans will be abolished from April 2013 and replaced by a system of ‘payments on account’
Scottish Government response
The Scottish Government has set out its opposition to proposed changes to the welfare system. In advance of a debate in Parliament on the subject Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon raised a number of concerns. For more information on the impact of welfare reform in Scotland visit the Scottish Government website.
Keeping informed
VOCAL is preparing a special ‘Money Matters’ issue of Carers News which will be sent to carers later this year. If you would like to recieve a copy and get regular information about the Welfare Reform Bill, use our secure online referral form or contact VOCAL on 0131 622 6666, email centre@vocal.org.uk
