HACKNEY residents are being urged to take note of important changes to how the benefits system works which are taking place in the autumn.

From November this year, the Council will no longer take account of the total amount of Child Benefit received by a resident when working out their Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.

This could mean that claimants receive a higher amount of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit, and it may also mean that those who previously didn’t qualify for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit may qualify from November, as long as they still receive Child Benefit.

These new rules will not affect those receiving Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment Support Allowance, as long as they also receive Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.

Cllr Samantha Lloyd, Cabinet Member for Finance, said: "Hackney Council is on your side in difficult times, and it is important that residents are aware in advance of when the Government changes the way that these benefits are calculated."

To find out more contact the Council’s Benefits service on 020 8356 3399, email benefits.callcentre@hackney.gov.uk or visit the office Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, at Keltan House, 89- 115 Mare Street, London E8 4RU