County Durham Housing Group 'Heads up' on benefit cap
Tuesday 10th of May 2016
Three County Durham landlords are advising tenants of a limit that may be placed on their benefit allowance later this year.
Dale & Valley Homes, Durham City Homes and East Durham Homes, as part of County Durham Housing Group, are raising awareness of the government’s ‘benefit cap’ that will come into effect across the county in November.
Liz Bradley, from Dale & Valley Homes, said: “The ‘cap’ places a limit on the total amount of benefit people of a working age can claim if they are in receipt of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit.”
Carol Crathorne from Durham City Homes, continued: “So if you are above the cap limit, and depending on your circumstances, the level of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit you receive may be reduced.”
East Durham Homes’ Julie Dower noted that those affected will be contacted directly by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
She said: “Yes, the DWP will be writing to people who will be affected by the cap during May; however we want to remind tenants that if they do receive a letter not to panic and speak to their landlord for advice and access to additional support.”