Chapter 2D - State Benefits Flashcards
If an individual has not paid the required number of contributions for the appropriate NI class to qualify for a benefit, what will happen?
- not payable, even if all other conditions met
- in cases of real need, assistance may come from an alternative benefit
How do state benefits affect the need for private financial provisions?
- reduce the level required
- low level of benefit emphasises how crucial private provisions are
What is a Contributory benefit?
only available to those who have made certain NI contributions
Define Means-Tested
paid only to those with income/savings below a certain level
True or False: Claiming other benefits may reduce the entitlement to other benefits
True
What political consideration is needed when a client is looking at State benefits in the longer term?
Changing of party in power can drastically change the regulation surrounding the use of State benefits
True or False: State benefits can be used alone for a client to maintain their desired lifestyle
False
What is the purpose of the benefit cap?
those on benefits should not be able to earn more in benefits than the average earnings of working households
Who administers the benefit cap?
Administered jointly by DWP and local authorities via deductions from housing benefit payments
Which benefits are included in the benefit cap?
- Bereavement allowance (pre 6 April 2017)
- Child Benefit
- Child Tax Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), unless they receive the support
- Housing Benefit
- Incapacity Benefit
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Maternity Allowance
- Severe disablement Allowance
- Universal Credit (unless unfit for work)
- Widowed Parents Allowance
What are the Benefit Cap levels for 2020/21?
Outside Greater London
- Couple/Single Parent with Children; £20k p.a., £384.62 p.w.
- Single; £13.4k p.a., £257.69 p.w.
Inside Greater London
-Couple/Single Parent with Children; £23k p.a., £442.31 p.w.
Single; £15,410 p.a., £296.35 p.w.
For which benefits does the benefit cap not apply?
- Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit (certain circumstances)
- Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance
- Employment Support Allowance (ESA), if you receive the support component
- Guardian’s Allowance
- Industrial Injuries Benefits
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- War or Widow(er)’s Pensions
When was Universal Credit introduced? What was its main aim?
April 2013; to simplify and streamline the benefit system
Which benefits are due to be moved across to Universal Credit in due course?
- Child Tax Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
How is Universal Credit calculated?
- basic rate (standard allowance) dependent on age and whether a single or joint claim
- Extras (elements) payable for circumstances e.g. children, disability, health condition, paying rent
True or False: Universal Credit allows people to be better off than they would be in work
False
What are the main aims of Universal Credit?
- improve claimants incentive to work
- make it easier for claimants to move in and out of work
- easier to understand
- reduce poverty for those on low incomes
- cut back on fraud and error
- be more cost-effective
How frequently is Universal Credit paid?
Monthly
For Child Benefit:
Universal, Means-tested or Contribution-based?
Taxable or non-taxable?
2020/21 Current Rates?
- Universal
- Non-Taxable
- £21.05 pw (first child), £13.95 pw (each subsequent child)
For Child Tax Credit:
Universal, Means-tested or Contribution-based?
Taxable or non-taxable?
2020/21 Current Rates?
- Means-Tested
- Non-Taxable
- Varies; family element £545, child element £2,830 per child (up to 2 born after April 6 2017)
For Maternity Allowance:
Universal, Means-tested or Contribution-based?
Taxable or non-taxable?
2020/21 Current Rates?
- Contributions-based
- Non-taxable
- £151.20 pw
For Statutory Maternity, Paternity, Adoption and Shared Parental Pay:
Universal, Means-tested or Contribution-based?
Taxable or non-taxable?
2020/21 Current Rates?
- Contributions-based
- Taxable
- £151.20 pw
How long is Statutory adoption pay payable for?
39 weeks
How long is Statutory maternity pay payable for?
33 weeks
How long is Statutory paternity pay payable for?
1-2 weeks
How do Child Tax Credit and Child Benefit differ?
Child benefit is paid for the child, Child Tax Credit makes a tax reduction for the parents of the children.
What is the effect of State Benefits on the need for protection?
Benefits rarely produce enough income to maintain a standard of living
What might families use Child Benefit for, if it is not required to make ends meet?
To pay into a trust fund or Junior ISA, or to cover insurance premiums that offer protection under unwelcome circumstances