Unfortunately Wood End Advice & Information Centre Ltd has to announce a reduced open door service due to a large increase in the number of complex debt cases, putting a heavy strain on members of staff.

From 1^st December 2008 until 19 January 2009 the Centre will only be open on a Tuesday morning from 9.30 for new cases. 

This is the first time in nearly 30 years of service to the community, which the Centre has had to reduce its committed service, a decision not taken lightly. 

This is a website that allows individuals to access information on all benefits and grants available from both statutory and voluntary organisations.

www.turn2us.org.uk

Payments increase from £200 up to £250 for aged 60 and above, and £300 up to £400 for aged 80 and above.

Plus a one-off payment of £100 to over 80's, and £50 to over 60's households, as compensation for the abolition of the 10p tax rate.

At present, one of the reasons for getting Income Support is that you are a lone parent with at least one child under 16. As soon as there are no children under 16, the lone parent has to claim Jobseekers Allowance.

The government proposes that this age is lowered to 12 in November 2008, 10 in Octobe 2009 and 7 by 2010. It may mean lone parents claim Employment and Support Allowance.

Age Concern Coventry has launched a brand new web site. The site is full of interesting topics for people aged 50 plus, and is very user friendly. To visit the site, click on the below link.

www.ageconcerncoventry.org.uk

Advicenow have added a new page, called 'Is that Discrimination'. This gives information on what discrimination is, how to recognise is and what your rights are. Click on the below link to visit the site.

http://www.advicenow.org.uk/is-that-discrimination/

From 27 October 2008 Employment and Support Allowance replaces Incapacity Benefit and Income Support paid on incapacity grounds for new customers.

The principle of Employment and Support Allowance is that everyone should have the opportunity to work and that people with an illness or disability should get the support they need to engage in appropriate work, if they are able.

For further information click on the below link

National Debtline offer free confidential and independent advice. You can contact them on Freephone: 0808 808 4000

Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm and Saturday 9.30am to 1pm.

Information Packs, personal budget plans, samples of letters to write to creditors and a debt advice section is available on thei website

www.nationaldebtline.co.uk