Money Box Live: Benefits

BBC Radio 4's Money Box Live

Wednesday, 4 January 2012 at 1502 GMT On Radio 4 and Online

There are more changes to the benefits system coming into force in 2012 as the Government continues to make welfare more affordable - bringing the total welfare savings to £18bn per year by 2014-15.

From 1 January 2012, the rate of Local Housing Allowance for single people aged 25-34 who rent from a private landlord will be reduced.

There are further changes to the Tax Credits system coming in from April 2012.

These include the faster withdrawal of the credit as a claimant's incomes rises; couples with children must work at least 24 hours a week between them, with one working at least 16 hours, to qualify for Working Tax Credits; and the couple and lone parent rates of Working Tax Credit will be frozen.

If you rent from a private landlord are you clear about how the changes to the Local Housing Allowance will affect you?

If you and your partner currently claim Working Tax Credits will you still be eligible?

Are you wondering how you find out if you qualify for benefits, and where you apply to?

Have you become unemployed or need help while looking for work?

Do you know what to do if your benefit is overpaid?

Are you uncertain as to whether you can claim Disability Living Allowance?

Paul Lewis will be joined by:

• Julie Mitchell, Gingerbread

• Sally West, Age Uk

• Phil Agulnik, Entitled to

You can call the programme when lines open on Wednesday at 1300 GMT. The number to call is 03700 100 444.

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