Changes To Benefit Entitlements From April 2017

·         Employment and Support Allowance work-related activity group - Work Related Activity component is being abolished so those in this group will receive the same rate of benefit as those claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance

·         Families with children - support provided through Child Tax Credit will be limited to two children; Universal Credit will be limited to two children

·         New taper rate - a reduction in the taper rate to 63%, from 65%

·         Universal Credit and the benefit cap - From 1 April 2017 if a claimant is in work they will be exempt from the Benefit Cap if weekly earnings are equal to or greater than the equivalent of 16 times National Minimum/Living Wage rate, rather than a flat rate of £430 per month/£100 per week.

Read more on the NHF website.