We’ve been sent an update on Benefits for our residents living in Lewisham
- Please don’t download any apps that say they are for Universal Credit claims – this is a scam designed to gain your personal info. UC don’t currently have any apps or the intention of developing any.
- Anyone claiming Employment Support Allowance has been sent a letter about moving over onto Universal Credit, meaning your Housing Benefit will cease. Please contact Jordan if you are concerned or struggling to set up on the new system.
- Job Seeker Allowance claims are also going to be moved over to Universal Credit shortly – look out for your letters.
- All Housing Benefit claimants who are of pensionable age are having their cases reviewed. HB are trying to contact people by phone in the first instance to verify current rents, who lives at your home and any changes in your income. If they can’t contact you by telephone they will make two more attempts by letter and if no response is made to this then they will stop your benefits. Please look out for the letters and if you have any concerns let Jordan know.
- There is a hardship fund for those struggling to pay council tax – you will need to contact Lewisham to claim this.
- Finally, if you are concerned about losing your winter fuel allowance and not currently claiming Pension Credit then please note claims made before the deadline of 21st December will be backdated. If you make claims after that then you will not get the Winter Fuel Allowance. Many other benefits are related to Pension Credit and Lewisham Council say they believe there are people in the borough who are eligible for this and have not made a claim – often because they think having some small savings means you won’t be entitled. You do not have anything to lose by making an enquiry. You can check your eligibility at https://lewisham.betteroff.org.uk/#/home
Kind regards,
Miles
