New Benefit Rates for 2006

Most benefits are up-rated once a year. This means that between April and October 2006 your benefits will increase by a small amount. The list below only gives you an idea of the main benefits you may be able to claim and the amounts each will pay on a weekly basis. You should remember that you might be entitled to payments from special sources like the Social Fund, and in some cases you may be better off because of the new Tax Credit scheme. Some young people at school and college might also be able to claim an Educational Maintenance Allowance on top of their benefits. Others will be able to claim special premiums, Sure Start Maternity Grants etc.

Each person who is making a claim should consider themselves and their families as unique, and should not compare their eligibility for benefits, or the amount they receive with others, because most people have very different living and health circumstances. This affects the amount and type of benefit you can get.

Benefits can be very complicated and very confusing. It is very important to remember that you should seek expert advice when making any sort of claim for benefits, including housing benefit and council tax benefit. You need to make sure that you receive what you are entitled to, and that you are not making a fraudulent claim accidentally. The experts can help you, so use them! At the end of the list you will find who you can contact for help with you benefit claims.

Child Benefit	2005 (£)	2006 (£)
Only and eldest child	17.00	17.45
Subsequent children	11.40	11.70

Some lone parents may qualify for 17.55 per week for the eldest child

Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) Income Based	2005 (£)	2006 (£)
16-17 years old (in some circumstances)	33.85	34.60
16-17 years old (in special circumstances)	44.50	45.50
18-24 years old	44.50	44.50
Couples under 18 years up to a maximum of:	67.15	68.65
Couples with one claimant or more over 18 years	88.15	90.10

Some lone parents are couples with children will qualify for extra allowances through a whole range of very specific premiums. This can make a huge difference to weekly income and it is always worth checking out that you are receiving the whole amount you are entitled to. You can ask for help from one of the agencies listed here. For specialist advice, lone parents can also contact:

One Parent Families
Freephone: 0808 801 03223 (Landline)
Web: www.opfs.org.uk

Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) Contribution based	2005 (£)	2006 (£)
16-17 years old	33.85	34.60
18-24 years old	44.05	45.50

Incapacity Benefit	2005 (£)	2006 (£)
Lower rate for first 28 weeks	57.65	59.20
Higher rate for over 28 weeks	74.15	76.45

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Care Component	2005 (£)	2006 (£)
Higher Rate	60.60	62.28
Middle Rate	40.55	41.65
Lower Rate	16.05	16.50
Mobility Component
Higher Rate	42.30	43.45
Lower Rate	16.05	16.50

Education Maintenance Allowance

Depending on how much your family, or yourself if you live alone, earns, you may qualify for an Educational Maintenance Allowance of up to 30.00 per week. This allowance is paid to you, if you are a pupil or student, staying on at school or even studying for some qualifications at college, and are aged between 16 years and 19 years. This money will be on top of any income support and other benefits, bursaries or Higher School allowances you may receive! However, you need to claim it - it will not be paid to you automatically. If you stay on and perform well, you may qualify for a bonus!

Passport Benefits

It is always worth claiming your benefits; though the amount may seem small, it can help you with other things like free prescriptions, free school meals, help with dental costs, free dental examinations, free eye tests, help with the costs of glasses and in some cases, bus fares for hospital visits. Mothers and families may also be eligible for things like free milk tokens for babies, sure start grants and maternity payments.

Your Entitlements

Even if you are earning, your income might not be high and you could qualify for help with prescriptions etc as well as being eligible for housing benefit and council tax benefit. If you are entitled to some financial help, it is nothing to be ashamed about - it will be your right and an entitlement. Most people with kids claim child benefit, without any shame, so you should claim what you are entitled to without any shame. Don't fordet that you can often claim different working and child tax credits to boost your income if you are a working lone parent or are part of a working two parent family!

Most payments made to you will be short term as the government wants you to get a job. So the payments are only there to help you out during a bad time whilst you get on your feet and do some training, get a job or get into education. It is in your interest and the interest of everyone that you maximise your income legally, and all the agencies listed below will help you to do this in a manner which is confidential, impartial and, of course, their services are free.

So, see an adviser and make your claim!

Where To Get Help

The following Agencies will help you to complete applications for benefits and tax credits and where necessary will help you to make appeals if you feel you have been refused unfairly, or have been awarded the wrong amount. They will also help with claims and appeals to The Social Fund for one-off payments and help you to maximise your income.

It's all very complicated so get professional help!

Citizens Advice Bureaus

Musselburgh CAB 141 High Street Musselburgh Tel: 0131 653 2748

Haddington CAB 38 Market Street Haddington Tel: 01620 824 471

Dalkeith CAB 8 Buccleuch Street Dalkeith Tel: 0131 663 3688

Penicuik CAB 14a John Street Penicuik Tel 01968 675 259

Welfare Rights Teams

Midlothian Welfare Rights Service Buccleuch House Buccleuch Street Dalkeith Tel: Tel: 0131 271 3780

East Lothian Welfare Rights Team Brunton Hall Musselburgh Tel: 0131 653 4303

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