Changes to the benefits system

As part of its welfare reforms the Government made major changes to the benefits system, which affects many groups of people.

For example, some benefits have been replaced by Universal Credit, with increased work related responsibilities; some benefits have been capped; and others have being reduced or replaced.

• Find out more about Universal Credit
• Find out more about the benefit cap

Information about these changes, and many more, can also be found via the links below (Please note that someone might be in more than one group): 

• Changes to benefits for families, children and young people
• Changes to benefits for people of working age (including unemployment, in work and sickness benefits, bereavement benefits and the benefit cap)
• Changes to benefits for older people and the retired
• Changes to benefits for people with care or mobility needs (disabilities) and carers
• Changes to housing related benefits (including 'bedroom tax' and Council Tax)

Parts of the DWP Social Fund, which provided one-off help, were replaced by two new council schemes from April 2013.

Find out about the Supporting Independence Scheme (SIS) - the replacement for Community Care Grants and the Crisis Support Scheme (CSS) - the replacement for Crisis Loans.

What can I do if I'm affected by the changes?

Where can I go for further advice?

Email bulletins 

If you want to receive regular benefit news and information, please go to our information for professionals and volunteers page and sign up for our benefit bulletins.

Covid related changes

Information about changes to the benefits system as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic is available on our coronavirus and benefits information page.

To receive updates on homelessness prevention, financial inclusion related services, provision and changes linked to the Covid-19 pandemic, please subscribe to the Active Inclusion Newcastle information update.