Claire Hall updates on CPAG’s test case concerning universal credit (UC) claimants who are working 16 hours a week earning the national living wage hourly rate, but who are being subjected to the benefit cap because of their wage pay cycle.
Since the reintroduction of conditionality to universal credit (UC), following a pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of UC sanctions imposed has been steadily rising.
Hardship payments are payable when a claimant’s UC has been reduced due to a sanction or benefit offence and s/he is in hardship. Sabrina Dubash looks at the main rules and issues.
A confusing list of schemes, elements and entitlements makes it difficult for parents to work out the net costs of childcare. Carri Swann provides a summary for advisers and answers some recurring questions.
Martin Williams discusses changes to the DWP policy on making offers to claimants and a recent case, which clarifies how First-tier Tribunals should approach cases where a claimant has rejected an offer and the appeal against the original decision proceeds.
A number of coronavirus-related benefit measures have ended, or will end, in the late summer and autumn of 2021. But some remain, for now at least. Simon Osborne takes a closer look.
Some universal credit (UC) claimants can earn up to a certain level each month without their earnings affecting their award. This is known as a work allowance. Carri Swann explains who gets a work allowance, how much difference it makes in practice and issues for advisers to look out for.
Rosie Mears and Martin Williams consider whether a request for universal credit (UC) for an earlier period is required before a claim is decided in order for backdating to be considered.
In many cases, the only type of employment and support allowance (ESA) now available is ‘new-style’ ESA. That is contributory ESA claimed under the universal credit (UC) system. But what about ‘old-style’ ESA? Simon Osborne looks at what that is and who might still be able to get it.
