(the following was provided by my faithful ‘AI Assistant’…always on time, never needs a toilet break and doesn’t look for constant praise!👍😁
.Here is a summary of the key information from the October 2024 Newsletter:
The October 2024 newsletter from the North East Scotland Advice Forum (NESAF) provides a comprehensive update on various topics relevant to advisers in the region. Key highlights include:
- Quarterly Advice Forum Meeting: Scheduled for 2nd October, featuring speakers from Social Security Scotland, Money and Pension Service, Home Energy Scotland, and others. The meeting will be held via Microsoft Teams.
- Benefits Calculator: A tool to help users determine their benefit eligibility, requiring information on savings, income, pensions, and existing benefits.
- Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP): Launching on 21 October 2024 in Aberdeen and other areas, replacing Attendance Allowance in Scotland. Full rollout across Scotland is expected by 2025.
- Winter Fuel Payment Updates: Changes in eligibility criteria, with Scotland planning to replace it with the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (PAWHP) by winter 2025-2026.
- Carer Support Payment: New eligibility criteria and case transfer details, aiming to complete by Spring 2025.
- Best Start Foods: Expanded eligibility from 26 February 2024, including removal of income thresholds and broader qualifying criteria.
- Universal Credit Guidance: Updated information for claimants with disabilities or health conditions, and students.
- British Gas Energy Trust: Debt grants available up to £1,700 for eligible applicants, including non-British Gas customers.
- CPAG Reports: Insights on the household benefit cap and the DWP’s managed migration programme.
- NRPF Updates: Information on healthcare rights, domestic abuse support, and asylum process changes for people with no recourse to public funds.
- Challenge Poverty Week: Campaign details promoting compassion and justice, scheduled for 7th-11th October 2024.
https://nesaf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Benefits-Bulletin-October-2024.pdf
