Hundreds at risk of missing benefits changes

Wednesday 04 July 2018

390 people had not yet responded to attempts to contact them regarding benefit changes coming into force in Guernsey this week, with just three days to go before the new system comes in.

The new combined Income Support scheme will replace the current rent rebate and supplementary benefit payments on Friday 6 July. It is the biggest change in benefit payments seen in Guernsey, following almost a decade of work to finalise the details.

When the new system is brought in at the end of this week, any families or individuals currently in receipt of both rent rebate and supplementary benefit will receive one combined payment. Those who are only in receipt of one of the existing payments will also see changes to their finances with most people being "better off" under the new combined system - while some people will be "worse off."

Despite efforts to discuss the changes with everyone affected, the Social Security team, based at Edward T Wheadon House, said that on Tuesday 3 July, 390 people who live in social housing had still not spoken to any staff to find out where they stand.

Those people may be individuals or members of a family - and they may find themselves financially better or worse off after Friday. They need to produce wage slips in order for staff to process an income support claim ahead of the new system coming in on Friday.

The call for action is aimed at a specific group of people: 

Those affected should make contact with Social Security staff as soon as possible.

Documents can be updated via the gov.gg website or by emailing incomesupport@gov.gg.  

You can also call 732508 and speak to staff - the telephone lines will be open until 18:00 on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week to answer any questions.