Introduction to welfare benefits
The welfare benefits system is complicated and confusing, both to claimants and those whose responsibility it is to support them. Claimants are largely expected to know their rights, although it is clear that most do not. Thousands of millions of pounds are under claimed every year leading to severe hardship, including rent arrears and other indebtedness. The cost-of-living crisis has only made matters worse. It is therefore vital that new advisers become aware of what the benefits system has to offer.