Benefit Change Warning

Strathaven based MSP, Linda Fabiani, is warning people of changes to the system of benefit payments that could cause difficulties for claimants as a transition takes place from weekly benefit payments to fortnightly payments.

The changes are being introduced by the Department for Work and Pensions and affects claimants in receipt of income support, incapacity benefits, jobseekers allowance, severe disablement allowance, bereavement benefit or widows benefit.

These benefits will now be paid fortnightly in arrears and the introduction of the new system will mean some people could have a gap of three weeks between benefit payments.

Ms Fabiani said:

“These changes are more to do with making life easier for the DWP instead of for the life and convenience of the claimants, however, it is important that people are aware of what is about to happen and the measures available to assist them over the transition period.

“These are significant changes from the DWP and they do not plan to run a publicity or awareness campaign to inform people of the changes. Instead the first people will know of the changes is when Jobcentre Plus writes to inform claimants that benefits will now be paid in arrears once a fortnight and that the day their benefit is normally paid might be changed.

“The worrying aspect of this is the changeover period of moving from a weekly payment to a fortnightly paid in arrears meaning some claimants could have a three week period when they do not receive any benefit payment whatsoever.

“It is therefore very important that claimants realise that an interest free loan is available from the DWP to cover the changeover period, however, these loans will not be awarded automatically and any claimant that needs one will have to apply for it. The loan is then reclaimed from subsequent benefit payments.

“Claimants will need to read carefully the letter they receive from Jobcentre Plus, which will be sent to them four weeks prior to the changes affecting their benefit, this letter will include information on how to apply for the loan.”

The changes, which do not apply to attendance allowance, disability living allowance, or carers allowance, will be introduced from 6^th April 2009 over a two year period.