Maidenhead & Windsor

Low income Windsor and Maidenhead families and over-60s may be better off

Families on low incomes and people over the age of 60 could find themselves better off from this week with changes to the way their Windsor and Maidenhead benefits are calculated:

• Child benefit will no longer be counted as income for housing or council tax benefits.
• The £6,000 lower savings limit has been raised to £10,000 for over-60s on state pensions credit.

The changes could be good news for many families and older people on low incomes, who may find themselves better off each month. Some who previously did not qualify may now be eligible for help.

Cllr Richard Kellaway, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead finance, said: "These changes will be welcome news for many people on low incomes in the borough and the council is very keen to ensure that our residents are aware of the potential advantages for them and their families, particularly those who may not have qualified for help in the past."

In both cases, if people already receive housing and/or council tax benefit, the council will re-calculate any entitlements and notify them of the changes.

Residents who think they may now be eligible for help should contact the benefits service on 01628 796036.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead