A video guide has been released to help Fifers get to grips with welfare reform.
Launched by Fife Council, the video is aimed at supporting those who claim benefits through the widespread changes to be introduced in April.
It explains all the main changes in simple terms, including what is going to happen to housing benefit, council tax benefit and disability living allowance.
It also explains the new benefits cap and universal credit, which means all benefits will be paid to one person in the household in a single monthly payment.
According to the UK Government, the shake-up is necessary to help people move into work and protect the most vulnerable.
However, the changes have proved controversial.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Cn-ZssCEaiU%3Frel%3D0
Concerns include the impact of the so-called “bedroom tax” on disabled and vulnerable social tenants, and the potential for housing associations to see an increase in rent arrears.
Around 40,000 people in Fife are receiving benefits.
The council believes welfare reform could see up to £40 million lost from the local economy.
Depute council leader David Ross said: “Welfare reform will affect around one in six working-age people in Fife, but, unfortunately, because the changes are so wide-ranging and complex, many of those people don’t know they will be affected, or are confused about what it means for them.
“As a council, we want to support them through the reforms, so we’ve created this video to simplify the changes and help people understand how they might be affected.
“This video is just one of a number of ways we’re supporting people. We will also have a welfare reform hotline up and running shortly to direct people to the help they need and we will let everyone know when that is set up.”
“In the meantime, if you think you will be affected and do have concerns, watch the video. And for lots more information on welfare reform, benefits and getting back to work, go to
fifedirect.org.uk/welfarereform
, or seek advice from your DWP welfare benefits advisor.”