A CAP on how much benefits claimants can receive will be introduced in Colchester next week.

From Monday, individuals of working age will be allowed to receive no more than £350 a week to help pay their rent, rising to £500 a week for families.

The latest part of the ongoing overhaul of the benefits system, which has seen working age adults told to pay some of their council tax, will see around 150 Colchester residents and families affected.

Residents’ benefits will be calculated by totting up how much they receive from Jobseekers Allowance, Income Support, housing benefit and other allowances.

But anyone in receipt of working tax credit, disability living allowance and other benefits including those for injured Armed Forces personnel and those who have suffered industrial accidents, will see their income maintained.

Paul Smith, councillor responsible for finance, said: “If your benefits are capped this will mean you may have to pay more towards your rent than you do currently. It is extremely important to seek help to prevent you from falling behind with your rent, as you may risk losing your home.”

A video explaining the changes, created by Colchester Council, Colchester Borough Homes and Job Centre Plus, is at www.youtube.com/ColchesterCBC
Colchester Council has also contacted families it believes are likely to be affected.

They can also visit www.colchester.gov.uk/benefits or call 0800 694 0170.