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Page 1: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

Welfare Rights Welfare Rights

Training 2013Training 2013

Page 2: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

INCOME MAXIMISATIONINCOME MAXIMISATION

What’s this all about?What’s this all about?

The ability to listen, fact find, and notice The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise that something is missing, advise accordingly, helping to identify further accordingly, helping to identify further claims due. claims due.

Thus increasing the weekly income of any Thus increasing the weekly income of any client.client.

Page 3: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

How do you do this?How do you do this?

INCOME MAXIMISATIONINCOME MAXIMISATION

Page 4: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

Interview and listen carefullyInterview and listen carefully

Page 5: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

Think aheadThink ahead

Page 6: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

Write down or record Write down or record

the facts / information giventhe facts / information given

on a case record sheeton a case record sheet

Page 7: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

Check this information again Check this information again

at the endat the end

Page 8: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

Calculate existing entitlements Calculate existing entitlements

using the above using the above

informationinformation

Page 9: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

Submit and backdate any and Submit and backdate any and

all existing claims identified at all existing claims identified at

this first stagethis first stage

Page 10: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

Identify any possible new Identify any possible new

claims dueclaims due

Page 11: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

Re-calculate again as if theseRe-calculate again as if these

claims where awarded / paidclaims where awarded / paid

Page 12: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

Submit any and all claims that Submit any and all claims that

would become payable only if would become payable only if

or when these new claims are or when these new claims are

paid / awardedpaid / awarded

Page 13: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

Clearly explain to the client Clearly explain to the client

what will or will not happenwhat will or will not happen

Page 14: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

The following are real casesThe following are real cases

He is 62, has Incapacity Benefit at £101.35 and He is 62, has Incapacity Benefit at £101.35 and Low rate Care at £21, he claims full HB & CT Low rate Care at £21, he claims full HB & CT Benefit paying no Rent, he has savings at Benefit paying no Rent, he has savings at £15,400. Benefit check requested.£15,400. Benefit check requested.

Interview, think ahead, write down, and checkInterview, think ahead, write down, and checkagain, all done.again, all done.

Page 15: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

CALCULATE (Ignore DLA)CALCULATE (Ignore DLA)

Income now £ Applicable amount £Income now £ Applicable amount £

Incapacity Benefit 101.35 Incapacity Benefit 101.35

Tariff on Savings 11.00 Pensioner Single 145.40Tariff on Savings 11.00 Pensioner Single 145.40 Total 112.35 Total 145.40 Total 112.35 Total 145.40

ANY CLAIMS? NEW CLAIMS?ANY CLAIMS? NEW CLAIMS?

Page 16: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

RE-CALCULATE (Ignore DLA)RE-CALCULATE (Ignore DLA)

Income now £ Applicable amount £Income now £ Applicable amount £

Incapacity 101.35 Pensioner Single 145.40 Incapacity 101.35 Pensioner Single 145.40

Tariff on savings 11.00 Tariff on savings 11.00

Pension Credit 33.05 Pension Credit 33.05

Total 145.40 Total 145.40Total 145.40 Total 145.40

Page 17: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

Claims: Claims:

Pension Credit due £33.05 weeklyPension Credit due £33.05 weekly

(£145.40 - £101.35 = £33.05 PC due)(£145.40 - £101.35 = £33.05 PC due)

Arrears 13 x £33.05 = £429.65 Arrears 13 x £33.05 = £429.65

(27/10/08 limited backdating to three months)(27/10/08 limited backdating to three months)

Page 18: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.
Page 19: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

Couple under 60:

He has since August 2012 had Employment Support Allowance Contribution Based (CBESA) at £71.70 weekly and also has Disability Living Allowance at Middle Rate Care (£53) and Low Rate Mobility (£21), she has Carers Allowance at £59.75. They pay no rent or council tax.

He has failed the ESA medical scoring nil points and is looking for help to appeal.

Page 20: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

Calculate (Ignore DLA)Calculate (Ignore DLA)

Income Now £’s Applicable Amount £’sIncome Now £’s Applicable Amount £’s

ESA 71.70 Couple ESA 112.55ESA 71.70 Couple ESA 112.55

Carers Allowance 59.75 Carer Premium 33.30Carers Allowance 59.75 Carer Premium 33.30

Total 131.45 145.85Total 131.45 145.85

Any Claims?Any Claims?

Page 21: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

Re-Calculate (Ignore DLA)Re-Calculate (Ignore DLA)

Income Now £’s Applicable Amount £’sIncome Now £’s Applicable Amount £’s

ESA 71.70 Couple 112.55ESA 71.70 Couple 112.55

Carers Allowance 59.75 Carer Premium 33.30Carers Allowance 59.75 Carer Premium 33.30

Means tested ESA 14.40Means tested ESA 14.40

Total 145.85 145.85Total 145.85 145.85

ESA can be backdated 3 monthsESA can be backdated 3 months

Page 22: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

He had in August 2012 the 4 He had in August 2012 the 4 week Working Tax Credit run on week Working Tax Credit run on at over £100 weekly so at that at over £100 weekly so at that time he was not due any means time he was not due any means tested ESAtested ESA

Any other claims?Any other claims?

Page 23: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

What about her claiming Income Support?What about her claiming Income Support?

Re-Calculate (Ignore DLA) Re-Calculate (Ignore DLA)

Income Now £’s Applicable Amount £’sIncome Now £’s Applicable Amount £’s

ESA 71.70 Couple 112.55ESA 71.70 Couple 112.55

Carers Allowance 59.75 Carer Premium 33.30Carers Allowance 59.75 Carer Premium 33.30

Disability Premium 44.20 Disability Premium 44.20

Total 131.45 190.05Total 131.45 190.05

Income Support now due at £58.60Income Support now due at £58.60

Means Tested ESA was due at £14.40Means Tested ESA was due at £14.40

Page 24: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.
Page 25: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

Couple: Couple:

Both over 65, one has DLA at Both over 65, one has DLA at Middle Rate Care (£53) and theMiddle Rate Care (£53) and theother has Attendance Allowanceother has Attendance Allowanceat (£79.15) weekly at (£79.15) weekly

The AA has only recently beenThe AA has only recently beenawardedawarded

Page 26: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

Other incomes? Other incomes?

Both have weekly Retirement Both have weekly Retirement Pensions at £157 & £98 Pensions at £157 & £98

They pay rent @ £6.50 weekly and They pay rent @ £6.50 weekly and Council Tax @ £2 weekly Council Tax @ £2 weekly

They live aloneThey live alone

Interview, think ahead, write down, andInterview, think ahead, write down, andCheck again, all doneCheck again, all done

Page 27: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

Income now £ Applicable amount (Before AA) £Income now £ Applicable amount (Before AA) £ Retirement Pension 157 Pensioner Couple 222.05Retirement Pension 157 Pensioner Couple 222.05 Retirement Pension 98 Retirement Pension 98

Total 255 Total 222.05Total 255 Total 222.05

Over 65 So Add full Savings Credit To HB/CTB 22.95 Over 65 So Add full Savings Credit To HB/CTB 22.95 (This is a HB & CTB figure only) (245)(This is a HB & CTB figure only) (245)

Rent x 65% CT x 20% Excess Income 10.00Rent x 65% CT x 20% Excess Income 10.00

Council Tax paid now £2 Rent paid now £6.50Council Tax paid now £2 Rent paid now £6.50

CALCULATE (Ignore DLA & AA)CALCULATE (Ignore DLA & AA)

Page 28: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

ANY CLAIMS? NEW CLAIMS?

Page 29: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

Claim:

Carers Allowance x 2

Pension Credit

Backdated three months

Page 30: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

RE-CALCULATE

(Ignore DLA & AA)

Page 31: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

Income now £ Applicable amount £

Retirement Pension 157 Pensioner Couple 222.05

Retirement Pension 98

Severe Disability Prem x 2

119

Carer Premium 33.30

Carer Premium 33.30

Total 255407.65

Savings Credit Due in full @

£22.95

Rent paid now 00.00 Pension Credit Due £152.65

Council Tax paid now 00.00 (£407.65 - £255 =

£152.65)

Page 32: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

Claims?Claims?

Carers Allowance £59.75 x 2 (Underlying only) Backdated 13 weeks Carers Allowance £59.75 x 2 (Underlying only) Backdated 13 weeks

Pension Credit GT On-Going @ £152.65 weekly Backdated 13 weeks Pension Credit GT On-Going @ £152.65 weekly Backdated 13 weeks @ £1,984.45 @ £1,984.45

Pension Savings Credit On-Going @ £22.95 Backdated 13 weeks Pension Savings Credit On-Going @ £22.95 Backdated 13 weeks @ £298.35@ £298.35

Housing Benefit increase @ £6.50 weekly Backdated 13 weeks Housing Benefit increase @ £6.50 weekly Backdated 13 weeks @ £84.50 @ £84.50

Council Tax increase @ £2 weekly Backdated 13 weeks Council Tax increase @ £2 weekly Backdated 13 weeks @ £26@ £26

£184.10 weekly increase in income (PC/GT £152.65, PC/SC £22.95, Rent £184.10 weekly increase in income (PC/GT £152.65, PC/SC £22.95, Rent / HB £6.50, Council Tax £2) / HB £6.50, Council Tax £2)

Arrears paid @ £2,393.30 Arrears paid @ £2,393.30

Page 33: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

Carers Allowance will be awarded but not be Carers Allowance will be awarded but not be PAID,PAID, due to the Retirement Pensions of a due to the Retirement Pensions of a higher value, however underlying entitlement higher value, however underlying entitlement will give the Carer/s Premiums x 2 (£33.30) will give the Carer/s Premiums x 2 (£33.30) within their applicable amount so additional within their applicable amount so additional PC will be due PC will be due

Rent & Council Tax will be nil due to PC/GT Rent & Council Tax will be nil due to PC/GT

Due to backdating Pension Credit client will Due to backdating Pension Credit client will get a refund of any Rent & Council Tax get a refund of any Rent & Council Tax already paid for that time.already paid for that time.

SDP X 2 WILL STILL BE PAID AS SDP X 2 WILL STILL BE PAID AS UNDERLYING CARERS DOES NOT STOP ITUNDERLYING CARERS DOES NOT STOP IT

Page 34: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.
Page 35: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

Couple with 2 children under 10Couple with 2 children under 10

Husband works 18 hours at £130 weeklyHusband works 18 hours at £130 weekly

Partner has no income at all, but she Partner has no income at all, but she recently got awarded DLA at Low Care recently got awarded DLA at Low Care (£21) and Low Mobility (£21)(£21) and Low Mobility (£21)

They also have Child Tax Credit at £110 They also have Child Tax Credit at £110 and Child Benefit at £33.70and Child Benefit at £33.70

Page 36: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

They had until April 2012 working tax credit at £70 They had until April 2012 working tax credit at £70 weekly but due to the 24 hour rule this was weekly but due to the 24 hour rule this was stopped.stopped.

They have a mortgage and are struggling to pay They have a mortgage and are struggling to pay the bills etc.the bills etc.

They already get full Council Tax BenefitThey already get full Council Tax Benefit

What if any claims are available to them?What if any claims are available to them?

Page 37: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

What about her claiming means tested ESA if she What about her claiming means tested ESA if she can get a sick line?can get a sick line?

Calculate (Ignore DLA)Calculate (Ignore DLA)

Income Now £’s Applicable Amount £’sIncome Now £’s Applicable Amount £’s

Wages 130 Couple 112.55 Wages 130 Couple 112.55

Earnings Disregard 20 Earnings Disregard 20

Total 130 132.55Total 130 132.55

ESA due £2.55 not a lot to help with the mortgageESA due £2.55 not a lot to help with the mortgage

Anything else?Anything else?

Page 38: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

Now that she has the DLA she is Now that she has the DLA she is classed as disabled for Working classed as disabled for Working Tax Credit purposes so they are Tax Credit purposes so they are now due Working Tax Credit even now due Working Tax Credit even although he only works 18 hours, although he only works 18 hours, this worth at about £70 weekly.this worth at about £70 weekly.

That will help with the mortgageThat will help with the mortgage

Page 39: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.
Page 40: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

Couple with one disabled child Couple with one disabled child under 16, the child recently got under 16, the child recently got the DLA at Middle Rate Carethe DLA at Middle Rate Care

She works 22 hours earning She works 22 hours earning £180 weekly.£180 weekly.

Page 41: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

They also have Child Benefit at They also have Child Benefit at £20.30 and Child Tax Credit at £20.30 and Child Tax Credit at £65 weekly.£65 weekly.

No Working Tax Credit paid No Working Tax Credit paid since April 2012 due to the 24 since April 2012 due to the 24 hour rule.hour rule.

Any other claims?Any other claims?

Page 42: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

The Child Tax Credit at £65 weekly is very The Child Tax Credit at £65 weekly is very low for a disabled child? low for a disabled child?

Suggesting that they have failed to tell Tax Suggesting that they have failed to tell Tax Credits that the child now has DLA? Credits that the child now has DLA?

This DLA award will increase the Child Tax This DLA award will increase the Child Tax Credits by about £58 weekly, backdating is Credits by about £58 weekly, backdating is now limited to one month.now limited to one month.

Anything else?Anything else?

Page 43: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

He can now claim and backdate a He can now claim and backdate a Carers Allowance claim worth Carers Allowance claim worth £59.75 weekly for him looking after £59.75 weekly for him looking after the disabled childthe disabled child

As he is now a Carer, she only has As he is now a Carer, she only has to work 16+ hours now (Rather to work 16+ hours now (Rather than the previous 24 hours) to than the previous 24 hours) to allow Working Tax Credit to be paid allow Working Tax Credit to be paid at about £70 weeklyat about £70 weekly

Page 44: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.
Page 45: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

Single person aged 48 who was Single person aged 48 who was working full time but is now off work working full time but is now off work sick. sick.

She is getting paid basic Statutory Sick She is getting paid basic Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) at £86.70 weekly, she also Pay (SSP) at £86.70 weekly, she also has Working Tax Credits at £12 weekly has Working Tax Credits at £12 weekly and DLA at Low Rate Mobility.and DLA at Low Rate Mobility.

Any other claims?Any other claims?

Page 46: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

What about Income Support?What about Income Support?

Calculate (Ignore DLA) Calculate (Ignore DLA)

Income Now £’s Applicable Amount £’sIncome Now £’s Applicable Amount £’s

SSP 86.70 Single 71.70SSP 86.70 Single 71.70

Working Tax 12 Disability Prem 31Working Tax 12 Disability Prem 31

No Disregard ? No Disregard ? Total 98.70 102.70Total 98.70 102.70

Income Support due £4 weeklyIncome Support due £4 weekly

Page 47: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

SSP allows an Income Support SSP allows an Income Support claim if your income/s are below claim if your income/s are below your applicable amount.your applicable amount.

Although HB & CTB count SSP Although HB & CTB count SSP as earnings and allow an as earnings and allow an earnings disregard IS counts it earnings disregard IS counts it as other income with no earning as other income with no earning disregard allowed.disregard allowed.

Page 48: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.
Page 49: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

This man has been working part time for This man has been working part time for the last 4 years earning just £140 weekly the last 4 years earning just £140 weekly for his 16 hours worked. for his 16 hours worked.

He has now turned 60 and is asking you He has now turned 60 and is asking you about him claiming Pension Credit?about him claiming Pension Credit?

He lives with his brother who owns the He lives with his brother who owns the house.house.

Any claims?Any claims?

Page 50: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

Pension Credit is not available at this Pension Credit is not available at this time unless you are over 61.5 so that is time unless you are over 61.5 so that is not an option.not an option.

What about Working Tax Credit?What about Working Tax Credit?

People aged over 60 can now get WTC People aged over 60 can now get WTC if they work over 16+ hours and their if they work over 16+ hours and their income / earnings are low enough?income / earnings are low enough?

He should get about £37 weeklyHe should get about £37 weekly

Page 51: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.
Page 52: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

This couple are both under 60This couple are both under 60

She works full time earning £400 She works full time earning £400 weeklyweekly

His only income now is his His only income now is his Occupational Pension at £200 weeklyOccupational Pension at £200 weekly

They own the house with no mortgage They own the house with no mortgage and pay full Council Taxand pay full Council Tax

Page 53: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

They have a disabled daughter with They have a disabled daughter with Downs Syndrome in the house she is Downs Syndrome in the house she is aged 30 aged 30

She has ESA (£121.65) and DLA at the She has ESA (£121.65) and DLA at the High Rate Care and High Rate MobilityHigh Rate Care and High Rate Mobility

They are asking for a benefit check for They are asking for a benefit check for their daughter?their daughter?

Page 54: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

Clearly the daughter has her full legal Clearly the daughter has her full legal entitlements at this time!entitlements at this time!

Dad can claim and backdate Carers Dad can claim and backdate Carers Allowance at £59.75 weeklyAllowance at £59.75 weekly

His Occupational Pension at £200 His Occupational Pension at £200 weekly does not stop him claiming this weekly does not stop him claiming this

He should let HMRC know as Carers He should let HMRC know as Carers Allowance is a taxable benefit so he Allowance is a taxable benefit so he may pay more tax on his pensionmay pay more tax on his pension

Page 55: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

Looking at the daughter with the High Care Looking at the daughter with the High Care of DLA and Downs Syndrome the chances of DLA and Downs Syndrome the chances are she would fit the severely mentally are she would fit the severely mentally impaired criteria for Council Tax exemptionimpaired criteria for Council Tax exemption

That then leaves 2 adults in the house mum That then leaves 2 adults in the house mum and dad.and dad.

They could They could both claimboth claim a Carers Exemption a Carers Exemption from Council Tax making them both invisible from Council Tax making them both invisible as well that leaves no adults in the house so as well that leaves no adults in the house so a 50% Council tax discount would apply.a 50% Council tax discount would apply.

Page 56: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.
Page 57: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

This person has a severely disabled child This person has a severely disabled child with DLA and has had Carers Allowance at with DLA and has had Carers Allowance at £59.75 weekly for the past two years £59.75 weekly for the past two years

She also works 12 hours weekly earning She also works 12 hours weekly earning £98 so is just below the Carers earnings £98 so is just below the Carers earnings limit at £100, her partner works full-time.limit at £100, her partner works full-time.

Her employer has asked her to work 10 Her employer has asked her to work 10 hours overtime for the next 3 weeks hours overtime for the next 3 weeks

She is worried about her Carers Allowance She is worried about her Carers Allowance stopping and is looking for your advice?stopping and is looking for your advice?

Page 58: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

Once you have had Carers Allowance Once you have had Carers Allowance for over 22 weeks you are allowed 4 for over 22 weeks you are allowed 4 weeks holidays or a break from caring weeks holidays or a break from caring just like someone employedjust like someone employed

During this 4 week period you can go During this 4 week period you can go over the normal £100 weekly earnings over the normal £100 weekly earnings limit and remain entitled to Carers limit and remain entitled to Carers AllowanceAllowance

This can be done every 22 weeksThis can be done every 22 weeks

Page 59: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.
Page 60: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

This couple have come to you looking This couple have come to you looking for help as he has been made for help as he has been made redundant last week after 35 yearsredundant last week after 35 years

He is 61 years old. He got £25,000 He is 61 years old. He got £25,000 redundancy and has a weekly company redundancy and has a weekly company pension at £124 weeklypension at £124 weekly

She is 63 with her old age pension at She is 63 with her old age pension at £66 weekly£66 weekly

Page 61: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

He has been told by his union at work to He has been told by his union at work to claim Jobseekers Allowance they say he claim Jobseekers Allowance they say he should get £71.70 weekly Contribution should get £71.70 weekly Contribution Based JSA for 6 months due his previous Based JSA for 6 months due his previous National Insurance ContributionsNational Insurance Contributions

They have full rent to pay at £70 weekly They have full rent to pay at £70 weekly and full Council Tax at £25 weeklyand full Council Tax at £25 weekly

What would you advise them to do?What would you advise them to do?

Page 62: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

He could claim Contribution Based He could claim Contribution Based Jobseekers but he would get Jobseekers but he would get nothing due to his works pension nothing due to his works pension as anything over £50 comes of his as anything over £50 comes of his JSA £ for £ JSA £ for £

So £124 - £50 = £74 excessSo £124 - £50 = £74 excess

Their capital at £25,000 will then Their capital at £25,000 will then stop any claim for HB & CTB stop any claim for HB & CTB

Page 63: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

She should be advised to claim Pension Credit. She should be advised to claim Pension Credit. Calculation:Calculation:

Income £’s Applicable Amount £’sIncome £’s Applicable Amount £’s

Old Age pension 66 Couple 222.05Old Age pension 66 Couple 222.05Work Pension 124Work Pension 124Savings Tariff 30 Savings Tariff 30

Total 220 222.05Total 220 222.05

Pension Credit Guarantee due £2.05 weeklyPension Credit Guarantee due £2.05 weekly

More importantly they now get full HB at £70 & full More importantly they now get full HB at £70 & full CTB at £25CTB at £25

Page 64: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.
Page 65: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

If you come across anyone who If you come across anyone who has full HB and/or full CTB and has full HB and/or full CTB and they are not on a means tested they are not on a means tested benefit alarm bells should start benefit alarm bells should start ringing as they may be below ringing as they may be below their applicable amount and their applicable amount and possibly should be claiming possibly should be claiming something else?something else?

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Page 67: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

Couple under 40:Couple under 40:

She has DLA at Middle Rate Care and She has DLA at Middle Rate Care and Employment Support Allowance at £100.15 Employment Support Allowance at £100.15 weekly. weekly.

He is off work sick and has Statutory Sick He is off work sick and has Statutory Sick Pay from work at £86.70 weekly. Pay from work at £86.70 weekly.

She claims HB & CTB and they pay rent at She claims HB & CTB and they pay rent at £16.80 and Council Tax at £5.17 both £16.80 and Council Tax at £5.17 both weekly.weekly.

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HB / CTB Calculation (Ignore DLA) HB / CTB Calculation (Ignore DLA)

Income now £ Applicable amount £ Income now £ Applicable amount £ Employment Support 100.15 Couple ESA Work Related 141 Employment Support 100.15 Couple ESA Work Related 141 Statutory Sick Pay 86.70 SSP Disregard 20 Statutory Sick Pay 86.70 SSP Disregard 20 Total 186.85 Total 161 Total 186.85 Total 161

Excess Income £25.85 (£186.85 - £161 = £25.85) Excess Income £25.85 (£186.85 - £161 = £25.85)

Rent x 65% = £16.80 Council Tax x 20% + £5.17 Rent x 65% = £16.80 Council Tax x 20% + £5.17

Any claims? Any claims?

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Can he claim Carers Allowance Can he claim Carers Allowance

while on Statutory Sick Pay?while on Statutory Sick Pay?

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Income now £ Applicable amount £Income now £ Applicable amount £ Employment Support 100.15 Couple ESA Work Related 141 Employment Support 100.15 Couple ESA Work Related 141 Statutory Sick Pay 86.70 SSP Disregard 20.00 Statutory Sick Pay 86.70 SSP Disregard 20.00 Carers Allowance 59.75 Carer Premium 33.30 Carers Allowance 59.75 Carer Premium 33.30

Total 246.60 Total 194.30 Total 246.60 Total 194.30

Excess Income £52.30 (£246.60 - £194.30 = £52.30) Excess Income £52.30 (£246.60 - £194.30 = £52.30)

Rent x 65% = £34 Council Tax x 20% = £10.46 Rent x 65% = £34 Council Tax x 20% = £10.46

Any claims? Any claims?

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Swap the Housing Benefit Swap the Housing Benefit

claimants?claimants?

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Income now £ Applicable amount £Income now £ Applicable amount £ Employment Support 100.15 Couple 112.55 Employment Support 100.15 Couple 112.55 Statutory Sick Pay 86.70 SSP Disregard 20.00 Statutory Sick Pay 86.70 SSP Disregard 20.00 Carers Allowance 59.75 Carer Premium 33.30 Carers Allowance 59.75 Carer Premium 33.30 Disability Premium 44.20 Disability Premium 44.20 Total 246.60 Total 210.05 Total 246.60 Total 210.05

Excess Income £36.55 (£246.60 - £210.05 = £36.55) Excess Income £36.55 (£246.60 - £210.05 = £36.55)

Rent x 65% = £23.76 Council Tax x 20% = £7.31 Rent x 65% = £23.76 Council Tax x 20% = £7.31

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Page 74: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

Asset rich cash poorAsset rich cash poor “ “The assessed income period and change of The assessed income period and change of

circumstances”circumstances”

If you are over the age of 65 you may be given a If you are over the age of 65 you may be given a Pension Credit Guarantee award that lasts for 3 Pension Credit Guarantee award that lasts for 3 years or longer. years or longer.

This is known as the Assessed Income Period This is known as the Assessed Income Period (AIP). (AIP).

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Single: Single:

Aged 74 has Pension Credit Aged 74 has Pension Credit Guarantee at £79.40 weekly Guarantee at £79.40 weekly and her basic Retirement and her basic Retirement Pension at £66 weekly giving a Pension at £66 weekly giving a weekly total income of £145.40weekly total income of £145.40

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She owns her own house with no mortgageShe owns her own house with no mortgage

She has an AIP lasting until 2018She has an AIP lasting until 2018

She feels the house is too big for her and has been finding the She feels the house is too big for her and has been finding the stairs difficult stairs difficult

She has recently been allocated a rented sheltered property by She has recently been allocated a rented sheltered property by the Council / Housing Association the Council / Housing Association

She pays no Rent or Council Tax as the old house is up for sale She pays no Rent or Council Tax as the old house is up for sale (Value is ignored while up for sale for 6 months or longer)(Value is ignored while up for sale for 6 months or longer)

Housing Benefit pays her rent in full @ £65 weekly direct to the Housing Benefit pays her rent in full @ £65 weekly direct to the Council / Housing AssociationCouncil / Housing Association

Council Tax Benefit pays her Council Tax due at £18 weeklyCouncil Tax Benefit pays her Council Tax due at £18 weekly

She has since sold her old house for £166,000She has since sold her old house for £166,000

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How will having this new capital How will having this new capital affect her On Going Pension affect her On Going Pension Credit Guarantee claim?Credit Guarantee claim?

How will £166,000 in savings How will £166,000 in savings affect her Housing Benefit & affect her Housing Benefit & Council Tax Benefit claims?Council Tax Benefit claims?

Page 78: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.
Page 79: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

This middle age couple have various This middle age couple have various benefits paid including?benefits paid including?

Incapacity for him at £107.35, he also has Incapacity for him at £107.35, he also has an Income Support top up at £49.40 making an Income Support top up at £49.40 making a total of £156.75 weekly. a total of £156.75 weekly.

He also has DLA at Middle Care and just He also has DLA at Middle Care and just recently his partner has also been awarded recently his partner has also been awarded Middle Care of DLA as well.Middle Care of DLA as well.

They are requesting a benefit check?They are requesting a benefit check?

Page 80: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

Due to the new DLA award they are Due to the new DLA award they are now due a double Severe Disability now due a double Severe Disability Premium worth an extra £119 weekly.Premium worth an extra £119 weekly.

Carers Allowance can be claimed by Carers Allowance can be claimed by him but it will not be paid due to his him but it will not be paid due to his Incapacity Benefit at a higher value. Incapacity Benefit at a higher value.

They will still get the Carer Premium at They will still get the Carer Premium at £33.30 added.£33.30 added.

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If his partner claimed Carers Allowance If his partner claimed Carers Allowance it would be paid giving them the extra it would be paid giving them the extra value of the Carer Premium at £33.30 value of the Carer Premium at £33.30 weekly. weekly.

But they would then lose one SDP But they would then lose one SDP worth £59.50 weekly, so a net loss of worth £59.50 weekly, so a net loss of £26.20 weekly£26.20 weekly

Any backdated Carers Allowance does Any backdated Carers Allowance does not lose any SDP already paid.not lose any SDP already paid.

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Page 83: Welfare Rights Training 2013 INCOME MAXIMISATION Whats this all about? The ability to listen, fact find, and notice that something is missing, advise.

The Severe Disability PremiumThe Severe Disability Premium

This worth £59.50 per person who qualifies and is This worth £59.50 per person who qualifies and is paid in most means tested benefits.paid in most means tested benefits.

To qualify you must have middle or high care of To qualify you must have middle or high care of DLA, AA, PIP daily living component or certain DLA, AA, PIP daily living component or certain industrial injuries and war disablement pensions.industrial injuries and war disablement pensions.

And And

You count as living aloneYou count as living alone

And And

No one gets No one gets paidpaid Carers Allowance for you Carers Allowance for you

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The Carer PremiumThe Carer Premium

This is worth £33.30 for each person that qualifies This is worth £33.30 for each person that qualifies and is included in means tested benefits.and is included in means tested benefits.

To qualify you must claim and be paid Carers To qualify you must claim and be paid Carers Allowance or have entitlement but not paid due to Allowance or have entitlement but not paid due to another overlapping benefit of a higher value.another overlapping benefit of a higher value.

Overlapping benefits include, Contribution Based Overlapping benefits include, Contribution Based ESA, Incapacity, Severe Disablement Allowance ESA, Incapacity, Severe Disablement Allowance (SDA), Retirement Pensions, Maternity Allowance, (SDA), Retirement Pensions, Maternity Allowance, Contribution Based Jobseekers, Widows and Contribution Based Jobseekers, Widows and Bereavement Benefits. Bereavement Benefits.

No claim is needed in Universal CreditNo claim is needed in Universal Credit

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ENDEND

Questions and Answers?Questions and Answers?