Benefits rates are generally increased by a small amount at the start of every tax year to take into account the rise in living costs that people will have to meet.

Currently the government has a central aim to reduce the overall spending on welfare, so has decided to freeze working age benefits for four years, forecasted to save £4 billion a year by 2019-20.

The freeze also supports their aim to ensure that the growth in earnings overtakes the growth in benefits - so that it is always financially better for people to be in work rather than claiming benefits.

Which benefits are affected?

The freeze affects Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support, Housing Benefit, Universal Credit, Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits and Child Benefit.

The rates freeze will not apply to disability benefits, carer and pension benefits or statutory maternity and sickness payments.

Turn 2 Us has more information on the Benefits Change calendar>

What will this mean for you?

As the cost of living - including rent and housing - continues to rise, so will the shortfall for families who claim working age benefits.

Reports from housing charity Shelter claim that this gap will now mean families in almost a third of the country will be more than £100 a month short for rent or housing costs alone. By 2020, this could be as much as £230, £750 for families in London.**

How can FTCT grants help?

If your family is affected by the benefit freeze, an FTCT grant could bridge the gap and pay for essential items for your child, like clothing or school uniform. It could also be used for a household cost which impacts on your child, like a broken washing machine or fridge.

Find out what other items FTCT grants can fund, here>

To apply you must be:

• The parent or full-time carer of a child aged between 0-18 years 
• Currently or recently employed (since 2007) in the UK fashion and textile industry, for at least one year. 

To see if your job falls under ‘fashion and textiles’ click here

With just one simple form to fill in, getting help from FTCT is quick and easy. In most cases grants are turned around in just 14 days, (once all evidence has been received) so you can get on with family life.

Getting help from FTCT is really simple, all you have to do is give us a call. To find out more, call Dora on 0300 123 9002.

Or fill in our online enquiry form>

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 * Source: https://www.turn2us.org.uk/About-Us/News/Working-age-benefits-to-be-frozen

** Source: http://www.mirror.co.uk/money/benefit-change-could-put-330000-7695948DISCLAIMER: None of the information on our Site is intended as a recommendation, endorsement, or sponsorship of any charity, service or fund.Related reading:

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