Welfare Rights Bulletin articles

Jon Shaw looks at recent developments in the Scottish social security system and some highlights of future changes.

Owen Stevens discusses a recent case illustrating pitfalls associated with inappropriate use of artificial intelligence tools.

As the Timms review begins and the PIP rules come under scrutiny, Carri Swann looks at a test that is not always well understood but can be key to entitlement.

Mark Willis looks at the ‘enhanced support journey’ used by the DWP in managed migration to universal credit (UC).

Help with housing costs through universal credit (UC) continues to create problems for tenants. Jessica Strode considers three of the issues reported to CPAG’s judicial review project.

The UK government has announced changes to universal credit, personal independence payment and contributory benefits. Carri Swann examines the plans, set out in DWP’s March 2025 Pathways to Work Green Paper and amended in the later Spring Statement, and explains how soon they come into effect.

Jessica Strode looks at deductions from claimants’ universal credit (UC) for rent arrears and benefit overpayments during debt relief orders.

Martin Williams considers cases where the DWP ‘closes’ a claim made by a new claimant of universal credit (UC) on the basis that they have failed to establish their identity.

Will Hadwen describes a new statutory payment for parents.

Certain sums can be deducted from universal credit (UC) before it is paid. These are usually debt repayments but can also be for some ongoing liabilities like gas and electricity charges. Carri Swann summarises the deductions rules in the wake of new caselaw and changes to DWP policy.