What are income disregards?

In assessing the income of claimants the council disregards certain items. The main income disregards are:

• Income tax, national insurance contributions and 50% of pension scheme payments paid by employed or self-employed persons.
• £20 of earned income where the claimant or partner qualifies for the Disability Premium, the Severe Disability Premium, or under certain conditions, the Higher Pensioner Premium.
• £25 of earned income if the claimant is a lone parent.
• £20 of earned income from employment as a part-time fireman, auxiliary coastguard, part-time life boat crewman / launching team or a member of any territorial or reserve force.
• £10 of earned income where one couple works and they do not qualify for a higher disregard.
• £5 of all earned income that is not dealt with under the last four points above.
• £17.10 if you or your partner work over 30 hours per week.
• All earnings and other income of claimants on Income Support or Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based).
• Income tax paid on unearned income.
• Income received as an Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance.
• Income received from the award of the Victoria Cross or George Cross.
• Living away from home allowances and certain travelling expenses received under the Adult and Youth Training Programmes.
• Job Start Allowances.
• £20 of most voluntary or charitable allowances received at regular intervals.
• Any War Disablement Pension or War Widows Pension.
• Certain income in relation to loan interest under Annuity Schemes.
• Assessed parental contributions to student children.
• Assessed parental contributions subject to certain deductions.
• Income received from children or non-dependants.
• £20 per week of sub-tenant letting income.
• Income received for fostering or similar arrangements.
• Guardian's allowance.
• 100% of maintenance received for a child.
• Income received from the Social Fund.
• Up to £175 per week if you work 16 hours or more a week and you pay registered childcare charges. Up to £300 per week if you have two or more children. In the case of a couple both must be working 16 hours or more per week.

For further information please contact Benefits on 01883 732900 or e-mail benefits@tandridge.gov.uk. You can also call the 24 hour automated telephone information service on 08459 400 470.

Or write to us at:
Tandridge District Council
8 Station Road East
Oxted RH8 0BT

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