Welfare Rights search

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.

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.In ‘An offer you can’t refuse?’ (Bulletin 273, p4), we questioned the lawfulness of the then policy of the DWP in how it dealt with revising decisions which were being appealed to the First-tier Tribunal. The DWP policy was that where the decision could be revised favourably, but so as to give the claimant less than the maximum s/he could possibly get if the appeal went as well as possible, then the revision should be carried out, causing the appeal to lapse, but only if the claimant indicated s/he was content with the decision and would not appeal further.

Mark Willis looks at recovery of tax credits overpayments from universal credit.

Henri Krishna looks at some problems that have arisen for some refugee universal credit (UC) claimants when they are joined by family members.

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.

Sabrina Dubash looks at problems for universal credit (UC) claimants whose first language is not English.

Owen Stevens reviews DWP responses to claimant deaths.

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.

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.

Jon Shaw looks at the rules for the latest new Scottish benefit.

Jessica Strode reviews the law on the national insurance number (NINo) requirement, before considering official policy on operating the requirement and a possible legal challenge.