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<p>The mixed age couple policy was legislated for in the Welfare Reform Act 2012 and
then the commencement order was that the mixed age couple policy change will come
into force on 15 May 2019, which was announced on 14 January 2019. Following the announcement
we are implementing comprehensive plans to raise awareness of the change among people
who may be affected.</p><p> </p><p>The Department has written directly to mixed-age
couples who are already in receipt of Pension Credit or Housing Benefit for pensioners
to inform them of the changes and encourage them to find out what it could mean for
them. Importantly the letters explain that mixed age couples already claiming Pension
Credit and/or Housing Benefit for pensioners immediately before 15 May will not be
affected for as long as they remain in receipt of either benefit after that date,
and that their State Pension will not be affected.</p><p> </p><p>This is in addition
to providing information on gov.uk and through existing departmental channels. The
Department’s staff in Pension Centres and Jobcentres are able to provide help and
advice about the change, as will staff in local authorities who administer Housing
Benefit.</p><p> </p><p>The Department has also worked with relevant organisations,
including providing them with a fact sheet to ensure that accurate information is
available in the places where people are most likely to seek information.</p><p> </p>
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