CONCERN OVER CREDITS

UNIVERSAL Credit has recently been introduced in Runcorn and Widnes and UK disability charity Contact A Family is worried that local families might be some of the estimated 100,000 families with disabled children likely to end up worse off financially as a result.

Universal Credit replaces a number of means tested benefits including income support, housing benefit and child and working tax credits.

We know that some local parents unable to work because of their caring responsibilities stand to lose more than £1,600 a year under Universal Credit. This is because under Universal Credit, additional money awarded to families if their child receives Disability Living Allowance will be cut by more than half. A family can be asked to claim universal credit if they have no more than two dependent children and they have a change of circumstances that means they make a new claim one of the benefits that Universal Credit is replacing.

If you care for a disabled child and are worried about Universal Credit, call our free helpline - 0808 808 3555 and talk to one of our expert advisers.

It’s really important families seek advice from Contact A Family, because how Universal Credit affects your family will depend on your individual circumstances.

Visit our website - www.cafamily. org.uk - to find more information about Universal Credit and other benefits you could be entitled to.