New numbers for AA/ DLA/PIPbenefits queries
From 29th January 2014: For the Attendance Allowance Service Centre ring either 0345 605 6055* or 0845 605 6055. For Disability Living Allowance/Personal Independence Payment queries continue to ring the current number - 0845 712 34 56
* The note from the DWP says that 0345 numbers are generally cheaper for calls from mobile, the 0845 number from landlines
Dudley Council Easy Read Guide to Changes in Benefits
Dudley Council produced an easy read document explaining the changes to benefits.
Local Welfare Assistance Scheme
With effect from April 2013, Dudley Council’s new Local Welfare Assistance (LWA) scheme is replacing the discretionary elements of the Social Fund scheme currently administered by the Government’s Department for Work And Pensions (DWP).
From 1st April instead of applying to the DWP for a Social Fund Crisis Loan or Community Care Grant, you will instead need to apply to the Council for a Local Welfare Assistance award. Click here for easy read infomation. Full criteria information by clicking here
United Response - Easy Read Guide to Welfare Changes
Excellent resource on all the changes to the benefits system over the last few years.
Benefits
Bedroom Tax
From the 1st of April 2013, the ‘bedroom tax’ brought in new rules for people claiming housing benefit for their council or housing association homes. There is now a limit on the number of bedrooms housing benefit will help pay for. Click on the link to get full information.
Carer's and disability benefits
Includes Disability Living Allowance, Carer's Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance
Turn2us
Turn2us is a charity that helps people in financial need to access welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help – online, by phone and face to face through our partner organisations.