The Welfare Reform and Work Act (2016) introduces some changes to the benefit cap. These changes, which will take effect in autumn 2016, include changes to the benefit cap levels to £23,000 a year for couples with or without children and lone parents and £15,410 for single people without children in Greater London, and £20,000 and £13,400 respectively for those groups elsewhere in Great Britain. They also include additional exemptions for recipients of Guardian’s Allowance, Carer’s Allowance and Universal Credit claimants who receive payments towards carer’s costs. For more information about the benefit cap changes please visit www.gov.uk/benefit-cap

Pension Wise is a new government service that will help you an make informed and confident decisions on the new freedom over how you take money from your pension pot. Read more.

Volunteers are at the heart of our service helping thousands of residents and workers of Darlington each year, providing them with Advice, Information and Advocacy. We have invested time and resources in ensuring that we are able to offer a wide breadth of volunteer opportunities and career pathways.  Click here to find out more.

Are you 18-29? Are you currently NOT in education, employment or training? Read more

Self help from Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice is 2015 Charity of the Year

In October 2015 Citizens Advice was named Charity of the Year in the Charity Times Awards.