We are collecting information on where there are community clothing banks/ school uniform exchanges, membership food projects such as pantries and community fridges etc providing community support to people and places where there is advice and help given as a wrap around offer to other activities.
There is a lot of help out there in communities but looking just for projects around the areas of clothes/ food support where there is a membership or small charge and help with things like a community laundry .
If you are aware of these initiatives and have the time to help – please can you give the details in the MS Form below ( 10 mins to complete)
And return to me Sheena.watson@fife.gov.uk
There have been some changes made to the accepted forms of ID for online verification process as part of a new claim for Universal Credit.
As from the 8th April, payslips and P60’s can no longer be used for online identity verification but may still be required for evidence of income.
To verify your identity online, 2 of the following items will be required:
Tax Credits have been removed completely as a valid form of verifying your identity due to tax credits ending on 5th April
If unable to verify your identity online, a full initial evidence interview will be required either face to face or via phone. As part of this process, wider documentary evidence of identity and address can be accepted.
A full list of what is accepted as proof of identity and address can be found here:
What to bring to your Jobcentre Plus interview - GOV.UK
The increase to the earnings limit came into effect this week (6th April) for Carer Support Payment, which is now £196 per week. This means that unpaid carers will be able to undertake more paid work and still receive Carer Support Payment, but also that more unpaid carers may now qualify where they have previously been unable to qualify for the additional support.
The Carer Support Payment is worth £83.30 per week so anyone who is providing unpaid care of 35 hours per week or more and earning a take home pay of £10,192 or less per year should be encouraged to use the Fife Benefit Checker to check and claim for any new entitlements.
Increase your income | Cost of Living Support
The open market equity scheme has re-opened for applications. In an announcement by the Social Justice Secretary on 1st April,
“Giving more people the chance to buy an affordable home also plays a crucial role in reducing homelessness and eradicating child poverty in Scotland.”
The scheme is open to social housing renters, disabled people, people aged 60 or over, members of the armed forces and veterans. More information and applications can be submitted on the website:
LIFT Open Market | Link Housing
Child Benefit payments will increase from Monday 7th April to £26.05 per week, or £1,354.60 per year for the eldest or only child and £17.25 per week, or £897 a year for each additional child.
Child Benefit is usually paid every 4 weeks and paid into a bank account, there is no limit on how many children parents can claim for.
HMRC are encouraging claiming and maintaining a claim via their new digital service Child Benefit: Make a claim - GOV.UK Since it went online in May 2023, over 1.2 million people (87%) are now digital claims.
If either the claimant or their partner has an individual income of between £60,000 and £80,000 per year, the high earner will be subject to the High-Income Child Benefit Charge. For families who fall into this category, the online calculator provides an estimate of how much benefit they will receive and what the charge may be.
Child Benefit tax calculator - GOV.UK
As always, please get in touch with Sheena Watson or Audrey Whyte if you would like more information on any of this week’s content. We would also value any contributions you would like to make towards future editions.
Contact: Sheena Watson
Email: sheena.watson@fife.gov.uk
