Winter 2012 Bron Afon Community Housing Special Edition

The magazine for tenants, leaseholders and Members of Bron Afon Community Housing

Community News

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Special Edition

Winter 2012 Bron Afon Community Housing Special Edition

Community News

This is the most important edition of Community News that we have ever sent you. The government is changing how benefits are paid and this could affect you.

Some of the changes have already started and you may be feeling the pinch already. It is not just about people who receive any amount of housing benefit. The whole benefits system is changing and if you are paid any kind of benefit you may notice a difference. In this magazine we have tried to make it as easy as possible for you to understand what is happening along with tips for saving money and getting free support. If you do not understand or are worried in anyway please speak to us. On page three you can see how to contact Bron Afon if you have any questions. At the bottom of this page there are some numbers for organisations like Torfaen Council and the Department for Work and Pensions. On page seven you can see how to contact several other organisations who can give advice.We have posted a copy of this magazine to every working age tenant and member of Bron Afon. Even though you may not be affected now your circumstances could suddenly change. For example, in July 2013 your 18-year-old son could leave home and you will have a spare bedroom meaning any Housing Benefit you receive will be reduced.A sudden job loss can mean you need the support of the benefits system. Turn to page four to read how Claire, one of our money advisors, helped a man in this situation who had no idea what to do and was worried he could lose his home. Duncan Forbes chief executive

A taster of what’s insideBedroom tax - All you need to know p8-11PIP replaces DLA p12Cut your energy bills - Top tips p14

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Useful contacts • Department of Work and Pensions

0845 605 7064 or Textphone 0845 608 8551 for people with hearing or speech impairments.

• You can check to see if you are entitled to any benefits online at www.entitledto.co.uk

• Torfaen Council - 01495 762 200• Bron Afon on Freephone

0800 111 42 42 or 01633 620 111 or email us at moneyadvice@bronafon.org.uk

• For links to independent advice visit www.yourbenefitsarechanging.co.uk or call 0300 303 1073

A fyddech cystal a gofyn os hoffech unrhyw ran o’n gwybodaeth yn Gymraeg, Gallwch wneud hynny drwy ymweld â ni neu ysgrifennu atom yn y cyfeiriad isod neu drwy ffonio 01633 620 111. Os yw’n well gennych siarad â ni drwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg gallwn drefnu i siaradwr Cymraeg fod yn bresennol mewn apwyntiad.

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“Speak to us”This Community News special will help you understand more about the changes that the government is making to how it pays benefits. If you are entitled to any benefits you will be affected either by the amount you receive or how you are paid them.

Your rent should be one of the first bills you pay each month otherwise you could get into debt and be evicted.

Some of the changes have already happened but more start in 2013 and continue over the next few years. From April 2013 if you receive any amount of Housing Benefit and have what the government say is a ‘spare’ bedroom the money you get will be cut. Turn to page 8-11 to find out more. From October 2013 the government will start to replace all the different types of benefits it pays with a single monthly payment.

Remember - the ‘bedroom tax’ will only affect people who are working age but other changes like Disability Living Allowance will affect people aged 16-64.

Keep this magazine as your situation may changeYour situation may change so it’s worth keeping this magazine in a safe place or sharing what you know with your friends and family.We have made it as easy as possible for you to get in touch and ask your questions. Here are some of the ways you can talk to us.

Call us on 0800 111 42 42 or 01633 620 111Face to face - If you see our staff out and about ask them and if they don’t know the answer they will give you the number of someone who can help.Email moneyadvice@bronafon.org.ukFacebook.com/bronafonTwitter.com/bronafonVisit our offices in Llantarnam, Fairwater, West Pontnewydd or Garndiffaith Keep an eye on letters you may get in the post as well as your regular Community News magazine.

Here is Claire talking about one of her days“I reassure a tenant whose husband has left her with three children that I will work really hard to help her. She is worried that she will be made homeless as her only income is Child Benefit. We make a claim for Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. Welsh Water Assist will cut her bill by about £200. The Warm Home Discount will save her about £200 a year.“This is a good start and my tenant already feels happier and more relaxed, she sees there is a way forward and is glad she came to us for help and advice.

£1,200 “I then met a tenant who has received an eviction warning letter. We found a time where Housing Benefit should have been paid so we write a letter to the council which will mean a £1,200 increase in Housing Benefit and nearly clear her arrears. She is really happy as this has taken the stress from an already stressful time.“I get a few messages from tenants to talk about the ‘bedroom tax’ so I call them back and help where I can. “I speak to elderly tenant whose health has deteriorated. She didn’t think she was entitled to any help as she has a private pension from her husband. It’s always best to ask as you never know. She was able to claim disability benefit which will help her stay in her home while getting care.

Lost his job“A tenant who has lost his job says he doesn’t know what benefits he can claim. He was worried he could lose his home. I help him claim and set up a payment plan for his arrears.”

Money advice from Bron AfonSpeak to us if you have any money worries. Claire Pearce-Crawford is one of our money advisors and can give advice in person, on email or by phone.Call 0800 111 42 42 or 01633 620 111 or email moneyadvice@bronafon.org.uk

A day in the life of a money and benefits advisor

Claire is part of the money solutions team

RememberIt’s never too late to ask for help.

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Money saving tipsHere are some simple ways to keep more of your cash in your pocket. Share your money saving tips. Turn to page three to find out how to tell us. Remember - Call Bron Afon if you want help to do a budget planner.

Torfaen ‘freecycle’This brilliant website is where local people advertise things they want to give away. You can also ask people for things you need. You can pick up free furniture http://groups.freecycle.org/torfaenfreecycle

PhoneSwitch to a new mobile phone or house phone supplier. Check your contract and shop around. Visit www.moneysavingexpert.com for tips.

ShoppingDon’t go food shopping without making a list. Write down your meals for the week and plan what you need to make them. Hunt out the supermarket own brands. Don’t be fooled by three for two deals.

Clear outLook in your cupboards and attic. Go to a car boot sale or sell stuff on eBay.

Free funBig Pit doesn’t charge for entry. Pontypool Park is a stunning place to explore. The park at Cwmbran’s Boating Lake has been revamped. Visit www.visittorfaen.co.uk for more free fun.

SmokingA 20-a-day habit costs £2,000 a year. Feel healthier and save money. Visit www.givingupsmoking.co.uk

Home Contents InsuranceBron Afon has its own home contents insurance for tenants and you can get £10,000 of cover for your belongings for just 95p a week.This would cover you against things like fire, theft and flooding. Call us 0800 111 42 42 or 01633 620 111.

Shop onlineIf you haven’t got a computer you can still use the internet for free in many places in Torfaen such as the libraries or our office in Llantarnam. It makes it easier to shop around for things like car insurance and gas and electric. Call Torfaen Council on 01495 762 200 to find out about computer courses.

Page 14 is full of advice to save money on your energy bills.

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Setting up a direct debit or standing order

Standing orders and direct debits pay your rent automatically and stop you getting into difficulty by forgetting to pay.

A Direct Debit lets Bron Afon take agreed amounts of money to pay your rent from your account on an agreed date.

A Standing Order pays an exact amount to Bron Afon’s bank account (and your rent account) regularly.

Both mean you can easily keep track of your money and avoid falling into arrears. Banks provide these services free of charge.

How can you set up a Direct Debit? Call Bron Afon and we will help. You just fill in a form and send it to us. We will tell your bank.

How can you set up a Standing Order?

Call Bron Afon and we will send you our Standing Order form. You then fill it in and take it to your bank. Some banks let you set them up over the phone or online. Remember you control the amount that is paid so you must make sure it covers your rent.

You can cancel a Standing Order or Direct Debit at any time.

RememberYour rent should be one of the first bills you pay each month otherwise you could get into debt and be evicted. In the future the government will pay benefits direct to you and not to Bron Afon. Opening a bank account and setting up a Direct Debit or Standing Order will make it easier to manage your money and avoid falling behind with your rent. Call Bron Afon to find out more about Standing Orders and Direct Debits.

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Free, independent and confidential advice Here are some of the places where you can get free support and advice.

The Money Advice Service They have lots of useful information including guides on:

• Credit unions

• Basic bank accounts

• Making your budget work for you

To get any of these guides call 0300 500 5000 or visit www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk

Citizens Advice BureauVisit www.torfaencab.co.uk, email reception@torfaencab.cabnet.org.uk or visit your local office.

Cwmbran office43a, 44 & 45 Gwent Square, Cwmbran, NP44 1PL08444 772 020

Pontypool officeCastle Mews, George Street, Pontypool, NP4 6BU08444 772 020

Shelter CymruHousing and Welfare Benefits Advice.

0845 075 5005www.sheltercymru.org.uk

Community Legal AdviceFor free, confident and independent legal advice.

0845 345 43 45 www.legalservices.gov.uk

Housing Debt Helpline WalesGet free support if you are finding it difficult to meet your rental payments.

0800 107 1340www.housing-debt-helpline-wales.org/

You may have heard about the ‘bedroom tax’. Find out how you could be affected.

When?It starts in April 2013 and will affect working age tenants. Those over state pension age will not be affected, including where one member of a couple is below this age and one is over.

How much? Housing benefit cut by 14% for one spare bedroom.Housing benefit cut by 25% for two or more spare bedrooms.

Remember… The amount that is cut is based on the total rent for your home and not just the amount of housing benefit you receive.

If you receive housing benefit it will be reduced from April 2013 if you have any ‘spare’ bedrooms. You will then be responsible for paying the shortfall in rent yourself. If you don’t you will fall into arrears and

could be evicted and lose your home.

Do you have a ‘spare’ bedroom?

The new rules mean you will be allocated one bedroom for:

• Each adult couple

• Any other person aged 16 or over

• A carer (who does not normally live with you) if you or your partner need overnight care

• Two children of the same sex under the age of 16

• Two children under the age of ten regardless of their sex

• Any other child

Your housing benefit could be cut by up to £10 a week if you have one ‘spare’ bedroom or £18 a week if you have two (based on £73 a week rent).

Remember you could lose your home if you do not pay your rent.

Call Bron Afon on Freephone 0800 111 42 42 or 01633 620 111.

Move to a smaller house

Call Bron Afon for advice for advice on transferring to a new home or visit www.homeswapper.co.uk/ to find out about swapping with another tenant (mutual exchange).

Save money on your other bills to pay the shortfall

Call Bron Afon for money saving tips.

Ask Bron Afon for money advice

We can help make sure you’re getting everything you’re eligible to claim.

Find a lodger

Call Bron Afon for an information leaflet or visit www.housesharewales.co.uk

Work more hours

Ask your boss if you can work extra hours.

Find a job

The job market is tough but keep in touch with the latest local vacancies by calling 0845 604 3719 or visiting http://jobseekers.direct.gov.uk

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Remember you could lose your home if you do not pay your rent.Call Bron Afon on 0800 111 42 42 or 01633 620 111

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Here are some of the things you can do to get ready for being affected by any cut to your housing benefit.

Are you working age?

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Here are some different examples that show how tenants in different sized homes will be affected or not affected. You can see how it’s not as straightforward as just having an empty bedroom in your home.

Number of Household By how many bedrooms rooms are they under-occupying?

3 Tenant age 45 One. Children of Partner age 40 different sex are Male child age 3 expected to share until Female child age 5 the age of 10

2 Tenant age 50 One. There is no Partner age 52 provision for a spare (partner needs separate bedroom in these bedroom due to medically circumstances certified illness)

3 Tenant age 30 One. Children are Partner age 30 expected to share until Male child age 9 the age of 10 Female child age 8

3 Tenant age 50 None. Anyone aged Male child age 17 16+ is entitled to their Male child age 14 own room

2 Disabled tenant age 40 One. There is no Property specially adapted provision for a spare bedroom in these circumstances

2 Disabled tenant age 35 None. A spare room with need for overnight is allowed for the non-resident carer. carer in these Property not specially circumstances. adapted Adaptations have no bearing

2 Tenant age 30 One. Foster children Foster child age 10 are not counted as part of the household for benefit purposes

Do you have a ‘spare’ bedroom?Are you working age?

Number of Household By how many bedrooms rooms are they under-occupying?

4 Tenant age 40 One. Tenant and partner Partner age 42 share one room, 19 year- Male child age 19 old is entitled to a room, Male child age 12 12 and 8 year-olds share Male child age 8 as same sex, foster Male foster child age 10 child is not counted

3 Tenant age 43 Two, if other parent has Female child age 10 the child benefit. Otherwise (shared custody with one. Child benefit is the partner who lives test of occupation for elsewhere) benefit purposes regardless of custody arrangements

2 Tenant age 25 One. The decision to allow Partner age 25 them to rent a 2 bed flat (they have been allowed is not relevant to rent a 2 bed flat)

4 Tenant age 30 None. Children are not Brother age 28 expected to share with Male child age 9 another of the opposite Female child age 10 sex when aged 10+

4 Tenant age 65 None. Under occupation Partner age 63 rules do not apply to people of state retirement age

3 Tenant age 65 None. Under housing Partner age 58 benefit rules only one partner needs to be over pension age. This MAY change when universal

credit is introduced in October 2013

The rules• One room for the tenant and

their partner• One room for each person or

couple over 16• A child under 16 is expected to

share with another of the same sex

• A child under 10 is expected to share with another, regardless of sex

• One spare room allowed for a disabled tenant or partner who needs a non-resident overnight carer

• Foster children are not counted as part of the household for benefit purposes.

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Do you get council tax benefit? Council tax benefit is changing. From April 2013 more people will have to pay towards their council tax. As part of its plan to reform the welfare system the UK Government has cut the funding for council tax support available to local councils. It has also asked local councils to devise their own schemes for paying the benefit. The Welsh Government is working on the detail with local councils, including Torfaen. Torfaen Council will write to everyone who receives council tax benefit as soon as they have more information. Call the Council on 01495 762 200.

Personal Independence PaymentFrom 8 April 2013, a new benefit called Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for people aged 16 to 64.

Personal Independence Payment will help towards some of the extra costs caused by ill-health or disability. It’s based on how a person’s condition affects them, not the condition they have.You don’t need to contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about this. If you’re aged 16 to 64 on 8 April 2013 and you get DLA, the DWP will contact you between October 2013 and March 2016.They will also contact you if you get DLA and reach the age of 16 from April 2013 onwards.They will tell you:• how to apply for Personal Independence Payment• when you need to claim by• what will happen to your DLAThis will happen even if you get an indefinite or lifetime award of DLA.If you apply for Personal Independence Payments, your DLA will continue until DWP makes a decision about your claim. If you decide not to apply, your DLA will end.If you are 65 or over on or before 8 April 2013, you won’t be affected.

Call the DWP on 0845 605 7064 or Textphone 0845 608 8551.

Torfaen Council

DWP

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Universal credit Paid into the bank

Rent paid to Bron Afon

Universal CreditIf you receive any benefits from the government they will soon be combined together and paid directly to you in a single payment once a month and this includes any help you get for your housing costs. If you receive Housing Benefit you will have to get ready to pay your rent yourself as it will no longer be paid on your behalf by Torfaen Council. When Universal Credit is introduced it will include an amount towards your housing costs (rent).Your rent should be one of the first bills you pay each month otherwise you could get into debt and be evicted.

Here are a few things you can do to get ready for Universal Credit

Open a bank accountIf you don’t have a bank account you should open one. Even if you have a poor credit rating you can open what is known as a ‘Basic Bank Account’. Go to a bank with proof of identity, such as your driving licence and proof of your address, such as your gas bill. If you don't have either of these documents call Bron Afon or The Money Advice Service for advice on ‘Proving Your Identity’. Call 0300 500 5000 or visit www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk

Set up a standing order or direct debitThese are a great way to ensure your rent is paid in time as you will not have to remember to pay your rent as it will be paid automatically.

Go onlineThe government will require you to look after your Universal Credit on the internet. There are lots of places in Torfaen where you can use a computer and the internet for free. Your local library is a good place to start. Call Torfaen Council on 01495 762 200 to find out about free computer courses.

Speak to Bron Afon Start paying a bit extra now on top of your rent if you can. Universal Credit will be paid monthly but rent is due weekly. This will avoid you going into arrears when it is first introduced. Get advice and support now. Don’t wait for the changes to happen. Call 0800 111 42 42 or 01633 620 111.

BANK

ACCOUNT

Universal credit

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October 2013

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Energy AdviceCut your gas and electric billsRising energy prices hit the headlines again in October with several suppliers hiking bills by over ten per cent. Staying loyal to the same supplier will cost you cash so make sure you shop around for the best prices.

Visit www.switchwithwhich.co.uk to see if you can cut your bills by moving to another supplier. If you can’t get on the internet call uSwitch on 0800 404 7908.

If you have a prepayment meter you will be paying more than a standard meter. Ask your supplier if you can change but they may ask you for a deposit and a charge for the meter to be fitted.

Top ten tips Reducing your thermostat by 1oC can cut your heating bills by up to ten per cent.

It’s a myth that it costs more to switch lights on so make sure you turn off lights when you leave a room.

Don’t leave electrical items like TVs and DVD players on standby.

Only do full loads in your washing machine and tumble dryer. Two half loads costs more.

Keep the lid on cooking pans and turn the heat down when it’s boiling.

Close the doors inside your house to keep the heat in.

Close curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping.

Don’t fill up a kettle. Just use what you need but make sure the water level passes the minimum mark on your kettle!

Energy saving lightbulbs last ten times longer than ordinary ones.

Take a shower instead of a bath.

RememberSwitch to a new gas and electric supplier and save money. You don’t have to stay with the same one.

Call usFor extra tips speak to one of our energy advisors. Call 0800 111 42 42 or 01633 620 111.

If the answer is yes they are expected to pay towards bills like your rent and council tax.

Torfaen Council will reduce your Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit and the amount will depend on your circumstances.

The amount will range from £11.45 to £73.85 a week.

You will be responsible for paying the shortfall to avoid going into arrears and possibly losing your home.

If the adult leaves your home you should tell Torfaen Council. Remember that this may mean there is a ‘spare’ bedroom in your home. Turn to pages 8-11 to read about this.

Non-dependent deductions

Do you live with an adult who is not your partner?

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ExemptionsIf you receive Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance care component or are registered blind and you are the claimant, you will not receive a deduction. If the adult gets pension credits or is aged under 25 and receives certain benefits, they will also be exempt.

Call Torfaen Council on 01495 762 200.

Winter 2012 Bron Afon Community Housing Special Edition

Your 2013 checklist

4 Tick them off as you do them.

Make sure your rent is up to date. Call us to get advice and make an

arrangement to pay if it isn’t.

Decide what you will do if your Housing Benefit is cut as you have a ‘spare’

bedroom. If you don’t pay the difference you could get into debt and be

evicted (Page 8 to 11).

Open a bank account. The government is going to start paying any benefits

directly to you. You will need a bank account. Bron Afon can give advice on

opening a free ‘basic’ account.

Check out our money saving tips. There are lots on page 5 to make sure

you keep more cash in your pocket. You will need it if other incomes are cut.

Make sure you’re on the best deal for your gas and electric. Energy prices

have shot up. Don’t be loyal. Move to a new supplier.

(Page 14).

Find out if your Council Tax Benefit is being reduced. The government has

cut the funding for this benefit. Keep an eye on letters from Torfaen Council

(Page 12).

Can any adults pay more towards your rent? Your benefits are reduced if

you have an adult living with you who is not your partner. Ask them to pay

you more towards your rent (Page 15).

Do a budget planner. We can help you plan your household budget.

Contact Bron Afon.

‘Like’ Bron Afon on Facebook or ‘follow us’ on Twitter. We will be sharing

new tips and information on social media as soon as we get them (Page 3).

And finally…. Ask, ask and ask

Keep asking questions. If you are unsure about anything or need

advice please get in touch straightaway. Turn to page two and three

for lots of organisations including Bron Afon who can help.

Your rent should be one of the first bills you pay each month otherwise you could get into debt and be evicted.