Proposed Changes in Benefits
 

"Reforming welfare to reward Responsibility” is basically saying that if you act responsibly - ie you get or try to get work and be part of normal society, then you will get help with your benefits. If you decide to malinger, then you won't - full stop!

Who says so? A Government green Paper published on 21st July 2008. It sets out plans to ensure that the 'majority' of people of working age - and their family - can no longer expect to be part of the benefits system for the rest of their life.

For this section, we will try to find the changes in benefits which may affect you or someone close to you.

Benefits Rates - 2008-2009

ESA - Employment and Support Allowance

The Powers within the Welfare Reform Act 2007, include the implementation of the new ESA system of benefits.
Employment and Support Allowance, is being introduced to require that all 'customers' within the ESA regime, are required to take on general work-related activities! the main exception are those who are severely disabled. They will not be required to undertake the 'work-related' activities.

Big changes about to happen to IB, in that between the years 2009 to 2013, all existing claimants will go through a reassessment process using as a standard test, the new ESA Work Capability Assessment. Those who pass the assessment will be moved over to ESA. Those who fail the assessment will move to JSA - Job Seekers Allowance.