LA Welfare Direct lite 10/2019
Updated 4 March 2024
Contact
If you have queries about the general content and distribution of this bulletin, contact [email protected]
Who should read
All Housing Benefit staff.
Action
For information.
Support for refugees
1. The Department for Work and Pensions has been working with the Home Office and other stakeholders to develop a product that will help refugees get the support they need at the earliest opportunity. The new product explains the immediate actions refugees should take once they receive their Biometric Residency Permit (or notice of ‘leave to remain’ status) to ensure accommodation and financial support is in place. The product has been tested with refugees and some refugee support organisations and will be shared widely with the relevant advisory and support organisations.
2. You can find the refugee guide leaflet on GOV.UK in HTML and as a separate printable PDF.
Young Carer Grant (Scotland only)
3. Young Carer Grant is a new payment being introduced by the Scottish Government that can be paid to eligible young carers, aged 16 to 18, who care for a disabled person for 16 hours or more each week. This can be averaged over a 13-week period and the time spent caring can be combined care for up to 3 different people.
4. Social Security Scotland will administer and pay the Young Carer Grant.
5. Like Carer’s Allowance, the disabled person you care for must be in receipt of either:
- Personal Independence Payment - daily living component
- Disability Living Allowance – middle or highest care component
- Attendance Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance at (or above) the normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Constant Attendance Allowance at the basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
6. Social Security Scotland have announced that Young Carer Grant will be introduced from 21 October 2019.
7. The grant is an annual lump sum payment of £300 and is fully disregarded for Housing Benefit purposes. After each 12-month period the carer may re-apply for the grant.
8. Young Carer Grant is only available to carers who are not already in receipt of Carer’s Allowance.
9. More information for support for young carers can be found on the Scottish Government website.