Ongoing News

Trusted partner pilots- expressions of interest are sought from landlords(by 13/11/2015)-the government has said it will extend the trusted partner pilot to 20 more social landlords- housing associations, stock owning LA s and ALMOs across England, Scotland and Wales.

The latest statistics for ESA claims and appeals make interesting reading-

There are changes coming soon to the Category A State Retirement Pension(based on a claimant's own national insurance record)- From 6/4/2016-
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35 years of contributions will be required to achieve a full State Retirement Pension, 10 years will be the minimum to qualify for any.

Up until now anyone on Universal Credit would be entitled to health benefits.

The following table shows proposed work allowances(earnings disregards) contained in regulations which are due to come into affect on 11/4/2016.

Latest Statistics on Personal Independence Payments(PIP), show that since PIP has started to replace Disability Living Allowance(DLA) since 2013, mandatory reconsiderations are often unsuccessful.

The latest statistics on Universal Credit show us that the roll out of the benefit is gathering pace. At the start of September, 112,180 claimants were on Universal Credit. About 70% of this total are not in work and 30% are in work.

The government supports those with mortgage housing costs who are on Universal Credit, Income Support, JSA(income based), ESA(income related) or Pension Credit by including an amount in those benefits for mortgage housing costs. A standard reduced rate from July 2015 now applies of 3.12%(was 3.69%) of the outstanding eligible balance per year.

The upper permitted work earnings limit in IB, SDA and ESA will increase from £104 to £107.50 per week from 1/10/2015. The permitted work lower limit which allows paid work for an unlimited period, as long as a client does not earn more than £20 a week, remains at £20 per week.

Thank you to the Welfare Benefits Adviser who sent us their experience of claiming Universal Credit.

The claim was made in the digital service area in London where all types of claims are taken(not just single job seekers). It mentions the following topics that may be of interest to you-

Claiming online
Creating a username with security questions

A press release from CABx, says-

A Housing Benefit circular has been issued explaining that a new guidance manual has been issued-

'7 Waiting days'- these are now introduced from the start of UC claims for some claimants. Click here for some guidance from the DWP which covers exceptions and more details.

A government report shows that up to March 2015, 43,800 sanctions were imposed on Lone parents on Income Support'(typically a reduction in benefit of around £14 per week). During this period 652,000 work focussed interviews were carried out.