2017/18 welfare benefit reforms timetable

2017/18 Welfare Benefit Reforms Timetable

Introduction

There is a rolling programme of expected changes to the UK Governments Welfare Reform Programme during 2017/18, please find summary below – taken from Disability Rights UK website, https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/how-we-can-help/benefits-information/timetable-forthcoming-welfare-benefits-changes#march2017 

From March 2017From 16 March the PIP Activities for Managing therapy or monitoring a health condition and Planning and following a journey are being amended. See our PIP Guide

From April 2017

  • From 6 April 2017 it will be illegal for taxi drivers to discriminate against wheelchair users. Read more on GovUK site
  • Bereavement support payment replaces current bereavement benefit system. See Bereavement Support Payment regulations 2017
  • New ESA claimants who are placed in the Work-Related Activity Group will receive the same rate of benefit as those claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance, alongside additional support to help them take steps back to work. The equivalent limited capability for work element will be abolished from Universal Credit. See SI 2017/204
  • Those aged 18 to 21 who are on Universal Credit, in full digital UC areas, will have to apply for an apprenticeship or traineeship, gain work-based skills, or go on a work placement 6 months after the start of their claim. Apart from certain exceptions (those considered vulnerable) they will not be allowed to claim Housing Benefit/UC housing costs element. See Summer Budget 2015 page
  • Those starting a family after April 2017 will no longer be eligible for the Family Element in Tax Credits. See Summer Budget 2015 page
  • Universal Credit first child premium will not be available for new claims after April 2017, where the first child is born after 6 April 2017. See Summer Budget 2015 pageand DWP Secretary of State Damian Green’s statement
  • Universal Credit earnings taper will be reduced from 65% to 63%. See autumn statement 2016
  • In households with two or more children any subsequent children born after April 2017 will not be eligible for further Tax Credits support (there will be some exceptions). See DWP Secretary of State Damian Green’s statement. Equivalent changes will be made to the Universal Credit and Housing Benefit rules. See Summer Budget 2015 page
  • Parents with a youngest child aged 3 or older (including lone parents) who are able to work will be expected to look for work if they are claiming Universal Credit. See Summer Budget 2015 page
  • New apprenticeship levy, at a rate of 0.5% of an employer’s pay bill. A £15,000 allowance for employers will mean that the levy will only be paid on employers’ pay bills over £3 million. See DfE Guidance
  • Personal tax allowance will rise to £11,500 and the higher rate threshold to £45,000. See autumn statement 2016
  • National Minimum Wage (NMW) will rise from April 2017 for the following:
    • increase the rate for 21 to 24 year olds from £6.95 to £7.05 per hour
    • increase the rate for 18 to 20 year olds from £5.55 to £5.60 per hour
    • increase the rate for 16 to 17 year olds from £4.00 to £4.05 per hour
    • increase the rate for apprentices from £3.40 to £3.50 per hour

See autumn statement 2016