Benefits Update

Bank accounts for clients with no fixed abode

If you are working with someone who needs access to a bank account but does not have a ‘fixed abode’ HSBC are working in partnership with Shelter and other local charities to provide basic accounts to those clients.

They can have little or no proof of ID.  Application for one of these accounts can be made in person at a HSBC bank but they must be working with a partner charity.

Newcastle City Centre:

Emmaus                                                                               03003037555

The Salvation Army                                                         02073674500

Changing Lives                                                                  0191 2738891    

Riverside Housing                                                            N/A                                                                                       

Project Nova – REFA                                                       01263863900

Oasis Community Housing                                            0191 4773535    

Barnardos Pause                                                                 07749436590

Oswin Project                                                                    01670462595

Universal Credit

The Administrative Earnings Threshold was increased on 26 September, meaning thousands of claimants have been moved into the intensive work search routine. This number increased further last week at 15 hours at National Living Wage for an individual claimant and 24 hours a week for couples. This means from January 2023 it is estimated over 243,000 will be moved from light touch to intensive work search. They will be expected to actively search for work and attend weekly/fortnightly appointments at the jobcentre in order to secure more or better paid work. Failure to do this could result in benefit deductions or sanctions. 

The government have announced an intention to strengthen the sanctions regime but no update has been given on this yet.

Cost of living payment

The second cost of living payment of £324 is due to be rolled out from 9^th November.  Anyone who was in receipt of Universal Credit between 26 August and 25 September and received a payment will be paid this automatically. Anyone who has a Universal Credit claim but seen a £0 payment between this time due to deductions will not be entitled to this payment.

Sure Start Maternity Grant

Change to the eligibility criteria for Sure Start Maternity Grant for people granted refugee status with pre-light children.

The SF100 Maternity Allowance claim form has been redesigned. The SF100 form now incorporates the eligibility for refugees with pre-flight children. This means refugees who arrive in the country with older children are now eligible to claim the maternity grant