The Food Bank Income Maximisation project, a partnership between CPAG and the Trussell Trust, offers a dedicated advice line, training and resources for advisers working in food banks. As the project’s first anniversary approaches, Harriet Chaplin looks at some cases brought to our attention, highlighting common mistakes with the DWP’s decision-making and practice.
Owen Stevens sets out the importance of the language welfare rights advisers use to describe our clients’ legal problems. The article describes some commonly misused language where greater accuracy would be helpful.
Owen Stevens examines information provided by DWP in response to concerns expressed by advice organisations about the approach being taken to the calculation of the transitional element for claimants managed migrated to universal credit (UC).
A new benefit, called carer support payment, launched in parts of Scotland on 20 November 2023.1 This benefit replaces carer’s allowance in Scotland. Many of the rules are the same as carer’s allowance, but there are some differences. The new benefit will be rolled out gradually. Angela Toal explains.
Martin Williams considers the DWP’s operational guidance concerning making awards of universal credit to those with pre-settled status but without a qualifying right to reside.
CPAG continues to receive reports of problems facing claimants granted immigration leave further to an asylum claim (ie, refugee leave, humanitarian protection or leave outside the immigration rules without a no recourse to public funds condition – ie, ‘refugee status’) when they claim universal credit (UC). While there has been some recent change, these reports largely reflect long-standing misunderstandings by DWP staff. Jessica Strode sets out some questions and answers.
Can someone successfully claim personal independence payment (PIP) without a diagnosis? Carri Swann looks at recent caselaw and answers some frequently asked questions.
