04/01/2012

Available for over a year

Paul Lewis and guests take your calls on benefits. There are more changes to the benefits system coming into force this year 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? Expert panel: Julie Mitchell, Gingerbread Phil Agulnik, Entitled to Sally West Age UK Lines open at 13:00. The number to ring - 03 700 100 444.