Hi, I'm looking for some advice for my Dad please, about this new poor man's tax. He lives in a 3rd floor, 2 bed flat and received the Bedroom tax letter. As he is 60 years old would he be exempt from this? (Sorry if that seems a silly question, I've no idea about benefits) He had a stroke last year and because of this had to stop his job (carpenter) so has since then been receiving DLA and help with his rent. He has been on the housing list since the stroke, as he has trouble climbing 4 flights of stairs to his home, so would gladly move. Like many people, he is already struggling financially and this is a real worry. We have thought about looking for a lodger until he finds somewhere smaller, is that allowed or classed as sub-letting? Thank you for any advice offered.

I imagine those in England could also exploit this loophole ! http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/100000-scots-to-cash-in-on-bedroom-tax-loophole.20243112

Alot of people are saying that the new bedroom tax will not effect private tenants? only social, im not effected by this as we have no rooms spare but i know a few who do and are complaining about it all! Can i also ask about DLA, today i got told my 3 year old is being looked into for Speech, mobility and eating and to try and get certain things to help him, we can't afford to! my partner works 60 hours a week and i study full time, im close to leaving my course to try and get a job to help with cost, we dont get HB/CTB just tax credits and partners wages but nursery advised we claim DLA to help ( i also have an 8 year old with ADHD and a 6 year old with a hernia ) we feel like we would be scrounging in claiming as they can do things just need a little help any advice would be grateful please x

Please can someone simplify all this for me in a way that I will actually understand? UNIVERSAL CREDIT:- If i get Income Support (on grounds of being carer for my disabled son and daughter), I get child tax credits, and also housing benefit, will all the money be added up and just paid as one lump sum each week but to the same value? BEDROOM TAX:- If I am in a private rented accommodation, does this apply to me? Some people say yes and some keep telling me no, its for social housing only?? Also, not in my title, but a few questions. CHILD SUPPORT:- Will my CSA be affected? DISABILITY ALLOWANCE:- Am i right in thinking it is changing to PIPs for over 16s, and will remain as DLA for children? CHILD BENEFIT:- Any changes I should know? CARERS ALLOWANCE:- Any changes I should know?

Hi everyone, could do with some advice on this new bedroom tax please. I am my mum's full time carer and also her DWP Appointee (thanks to Erika). My mum has a multitude of illnesses and disabilities and she is in the ESA Support Group and receives DLA High Rate Care and Mobility as she obviously has care needs during the night, although not every single night. Her night care is shared between my family and my two brothers, depending on their shift patterns and I decide on mum's condition early evening if she needs night care for that particular night. In December 2012 a form came from the council relating to this bedroom tax. I deal with all mum's correspondence and I ticked the box on the council form which said she receives DLA high rate care and that she has a non resident overnight carer. Up until last Autumn mum lived in one bedroom sheltered accommodation, however, she was assessed by the Occupational Therapist and also the social landlord last year and was offered a 2 bed bungalow in order to accommodate an overnight carer and I still have a copy of the care plan stating this. The 2 bed bungalow is not sheltered, but it doesnt matter as I care for mum everyday anyway. The other day I had a phone call out of the blue from a really snotty woman from the council asking me how often does mum require care during the week and who provides the care? I told her to put it in writing. Is this right that councils are phoning people out of the blue asking for these details. I really cannot guess how many nights mum needs care until I assess her needs during the day, some nights its 7 nights, other times it may be less frequent. As to who provides the care, well why would that matter? According to DLA guidelines to receive high rate care the person needs help during the night, so as my mum qualifies for DLA High rate care, why would the council be asking these questions - and how should I answer them. Thanks for any advice offered, Joe

Some useful information on universal credit, the bedroom tax, discretionary housing payments and a welfare reform calculator to work out if and how this affects you. http://www.jephson.org.uk/index.php/changes-to-benefits Please note that this guide has been produced by Jephson Housing Association for their tenants, so while the user friendly guide is helpful with general information, it only provides links to local authorities where Jephson are located for more specific detail, particularly regarding discretionary payments, which will be extremely limited.

This is a handy link for those affected. http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/benefits_e/benefits_help_if_on_a_low_income_ew/help_with_your_rent_-_housing_benefit/housing_benefit_cuts_for_social_housing_tenants_from_april_2013/housing_benefit_-_bedroom_calculator_for_social_housing_tenants.htm

Has anyone heard about the impending Bedroom Tax for people in receipt of Housing Benefit and living in Social Housing? It is not widely known yet but if you have more bedrooms than the new Welfare Reform Bill says you need, your Housing Benefit will be reduced by 14% for the first bedroom and further reduced for each bedroom after this. If you do not have the child benefit paid to you but share access, residence and custody of your children, this will affect you. Only the parent receiving the child benefit is entitled to full housing benefit. When faced with a shortfall in rent options are: Pay the difference in rent yourself Take in a lodger Move home to a smaller property. THIS ONLY AFFECTS PEOPLE IN SOCIAL HOUSING NOT PRIVATE TENANTS By reducing the Housing benefit of people who already have little or no income, it is forcing them into a situation where they cannot pay their rent and once they fall into arrears, eviction mechanisms automatically kick in. Surely this is discrimination against poor people and separated parents. Forcing them to move home seems to be a form of ethnic cleansing. Clearly it is an attempt to free up much needed family homes but it obviously has not been thought through properly. There are not enough 1 or 2 bedroom homes for people to move into because Housing Associations were previously encouraged to build 3 and 4 bedroom homes to allow families to grow. People living in social housing have often spent money on their home. They have commitments which have often carried connection fees and minimum term contracts etc. Moving home is an expensive (and traumatic) experience - who will cover all of these costs? For parents with shared access who are forced into smaller properties, where are their kids going to sleep? Legal Aid has been dismantled so there is little in the way of legal advice in order to challenge the decision to reduce Housing Benefit. Nevertheless a legal challenge needs to be prepared. This is going to affect a lot of people but there does not appear to be much said about it. Thoughts anyone?