Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt has given his Autumn Statement, in which he focuses on the country's economic state. He announced substantial changes for those claiming benefits if they fail to uphold a certain condition.
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Indeed Jeremy Hunt explained that the current system needs to be ‘rebalanced’ in favour of the taxpayers funding the benefits, as per The Sun. He also added that the changes he plans will begin next year as part of an overall £2.5 billion plan that will help millions of Brits look for work.
So what is the condition that benefits claimants have to fulfil in order to keep their free NHS prescriptions and more?
Benefit claimants need to look for work actively
According to The Sun, if those claiming benefits do not want to lose their monthly payments, as well as their free NHS prescriptions and dental plan, they need to prove they are actively looking for a job, as per Jeremy Hunt's speech. There are roughly 9 million Brits currently unemployed, despite being of working age.
Jeremy Hunt said:
We’re serious about growing our economy and that means we must address the rise in people who aren’t looking for work – especially because we know so many of them want to and with almost a million vacancies in the jobs market the opportunities are there.
Adding:
These changes mean there’s help and support for everyone – but for those who refuse it, there are consequences too. Anyone choosing to coast on the hard work of taxpayers will lose their benefits.
The new benefits reform also means that claimants should not be out of work for 18 months and receive full benefits if they haven't actively complied with Jobcentre demands.
A digital technology will be used to track claimants' attendance at job fairs as well as interviews.
The new reform applies to long-term sick or disabled people
According to The Sun, this brand new reform also applies to those who are disabled or who are long-term sick; data shows that 20% of those people want to work. The government expects those who are suffering from long-term illnesses or disabilities to work from home if they are able to.
Welfare Secretary Mel Stride said:
Work is good. It pays the bills, improves health and grows the economy – so we’re all better off.
And it also means we can support those who can’t work, as any compassionate society should.
As per The Sun, you are eligible for free NHS prescriptions if you meet the following criteria: if you're aged under 20 and dependent on someone claiming certain benefits, including:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Universal Credit and meet the criteria
Read more:
⋙ Thousands claiming Universal Credit warned of major rule change, here’s how it may affect you
⋙ Thousands of Brits could get an extra £300 this month, check if you’re eligible
Sources used:
The Sun: ‘CASH BLOW Brits will LOSE free prescriptions if they don’t look for a job – and some will have ALL benefits cut under new plan’
