Major benefits changes this month

· Child Tax Credits and Universal Credit family amount worth £545 a year removed

· A two child limit for Child Tax Credit and the equivalent in Universal Credit worth £53 a week per child.

· Work related component worth £29 a week removed for new claims for Employment and Support Allowance and the Universal Credit equivalent. The 'support component' for those who are 'more disabled' will continue.

· The help with housing costs in 'full service' Universal Credit will be removed for out of work 18 to 21 year olds unless they are exempt. At the same time the 'youth obligation' for 18 to 21 year olds is introduced with stronger 'day one' work requirements and an increase in apprenticeships.

· New Bereavement Support Payment

· The 'spare room subsidy' for social housing to allow for an extra bedroom for a disabled child or non-dependent needing overnight care by a non-resident person and also for a severely disabled couple who can't share a bedroom.

There's more information at Benefit advice services in Newcastle and benefit offices