Get Connected Summer 2016

The
numbers
£410,512
As a result of the team’s
work, tenants secured a
total of £410,512 in savings
and additional benefits.
100%
The service has a 100%
satisfaction rating and
100% of tenants reported
lower stress levels and
better wellbeing as a
result of using the service.
£6.92
For every £1 Connect
invests in the service,
£6.92 is generated in
value for our tenants
and communities.*
*Valuation using the
Housing Associations’
Charitable Trust social
impact calculator.
Get in touch ››››
To see how our free and confidential service
might be able to help you, or to find out more
about the benefit cap, please contact:
Michelle Cox, Money Matters Team
T: 0300 5000 600
E: moneymatters@connecthousing.org.uk
Welfare reform update:
changes to the benefit cap
WHAT IS THE BENEFIT CAP?
The benefit cap sets a limit on the total amount in benefits
that most working-age people can claim. The cap applies to
the benefits you get as a household. This means that benefits
received by you, your partner and dependent children who live
with you, are all included.
WHAT IS CHANGING?
On 8th July 2015 the government announced further
reductions to the benefit cap. These changes will take effect
from Autumn 2016 and will mean that the total amount of
weekly benefit (including Housing Benefit) that a household
will be able to claim is reduced. This means some households
will receive less money than before.
NEW WEEKLY BENEFIT CAP
Proposed changes from Autumn 2016 (outside London)
£385
£258
The service
is unique and
exceeded my
expectations.
The commitment
and expertise
of the team has
had life-changing
outcomes for
me for which
I cannot thank
you enough.
Tenant
Two parent family
Single parent family
WHAT NEXT?
If you are going to be affected, you should have received
a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions
(DWP) between 31st May and 10th June 2016 explaining
what is happening.
If you are worried about these changes please get in touch.
Our Money Matters Team can see if you meet any of the
exemption criteria, check how much you need to pay
towards your rent, help with budgeting and support you
to access debt advice.
Our benefit cap factsheet can be downloaded at
www.connecthousing.org.uk/benefitcap or we can
send you one by post.
Single person
5