Welfare Rights search

UC elements

Simon Osborne describes recent caselaw setting out concern at some official responses in appeals to the First-tier Tribunal.

Since tax credits were introduced in 2003, the system has struggled to cope with the problem of overpayments. As we enter the final phase before tax credits are replaced by universal credit (UC), pressures are building up again. Mark Willis explains.

Kirsty McKechnie describes the provisions in the first legislation passed establishing the Scottish social security system.

Martin Williams looks at some common problems with the housing element of universal credit (UC).

Simon Osborne describes how it is that around 70,000 people have been underpaid employment and support allowance (ESA) and how the government is refusing to pay some of them full arrears.

Eirwen Pierrot of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) describes its Legal Support Project. The project launched in September 2017 and provides funding for legal representatives in England and Wales in claims concerning discrimination in education, housing or social security. In Scotland, the project is able to provide funding for legal representatives acting in Equality Act 2010 claims concerning education, housing and the provision of services.

The DWP is reviewing personal independence payment (PIP) decisions, following a High Court decision that found changes to mobility descriptors in March 2017 unlawfully discriminated against claimants with mental health problems.

Kirsty McKechnie sets out what CPAG’s Early Warning System has been learning about the first year of the operation of the ‘two-child limit’ in means-tested benefits.

We now know that in benefits an appeal right still exists even where the DWP refuses to carry out a mandatory reconsideration on grounds of lateness. But what about tax credits and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)? Mark Willis explains.

Activities in the personal independence payment (PIP) test must be capable of being carried out ‘safely’. That word is defined in regulations, but has been the subject of an important decision of the Upper Tribunal and, most recently, updated official guidance. Ed Pybus explains.

Martin Williams looks at when a ‘claim’ for universal credit (UC) might not result in the claimant transferring to UC from current awards of legacy benefits.