Read the latest social welfare news from around the UK.
New Resources in our Members' Area
Please post consultancy queries in the discussion forum where we will help. Here's four of the latest posts-
“changing over to PIP and effective date- when PIP is paid from and DLA stops” “permitted work earnings and hours rules”
PIP migration
From 23 February 2015, existing DLA claimants in areas with postcodes beginning AB, BB, BD, DD, DN, EX, HX, KA, KY, LS, PH, PL, PO, PR, S, SO, TS and WF will be 'invited' to claim PIP if -
the Department receives information about a change in their care or mobility needs; their fixed term award is due to expire;
the claimant turns 16; or
New Resources in our Members' Area
There are additional resources now available-
● At a glance Guide to Benefit Changes in the Autumn Statement December 2014
● Social Welfare Training standard letter Form of Authorisation to Act
● Social Welfare Training standard letter Requesting a Mandatory Reconsideration
Discretionary Housing Payments- Is Your Local Authority on Track to spend its Budget?
It may be worthwhile getting in touch with your local authority to ensure that they are on track to spend their DHP budget this year. A government study has shown for the 6 month period April 2014- September 2014 that -
Universal Credit- Demonstration Projects show Rise in Rent Arrears
The final report on the Direct Payment Demonstration projects has been released.
Voluntary Contributions to Boost State Pension
The Amounts that need to be paid to top up the State Pension have been set in law. This change will allow existing pensioners and those reaching State Pension age before 6 April 2016 the opportunity to gain additional State Pension by paying Class 3A Voluntary National Insurance contributions.
Benefit Changes in the Autumn Statement 2014
We are pleased to tell you that our guide to Benefit changes in today's Autumn Statement 2014 is now available. Please click on the link below.
Roll Out of Universal Credit- 73 new areas
The government has released some details about 73 new areas(Local Authority areas) that will start to take new claims for Universal Credit.
Why are People Using Foodbanks?
A new report has looked at the reasons for increasing the use of foodbanks. 'Emergency Use only' Has recently been produced by the Trussell Trust and is based on 40 in depth interviews. It found...
Three-month Benefit Limit for EEA Jobseekers
Earlier this year the government introduced an additional test that if a new job seeker had been on JSA for more than 6 months then they would need to show 'compelling evidence of a genuine prospect of work'. From November, the test will now be applied instead from 3 months.
PIP- Notice and Travel to Medical Appointments
Here's some useful info from the Minister for Disabled Mark Harper- Clients shouldn't have to travel more than 90 minutes on public transport. Also clients shouldn't be given only 1 days notice to attend.
First Examples of a Universal Credit Calculation and Letters- client is better off but struggles to budget
Click here and here for an example from the North West of a client who claimed Universal Credit and started a job s
Members' Area – new resources and discussion items
Consultancy- There are recent posts in the discussion forum(consultancy)- PIP2 Claim form delays- claiming the disability element of working tax credits- Recently Married couple claiming separately- how to qualify for bus pass with PIP- PIP and learning disabilities- Polish man caught by new rules for HB right to reside.
Can a Client be Sent for a WCA after Winning their Appeal?
After a long wait your client wins their appeal and they are still considered 'sick'. However 3 weeks later the DWP call them for a new medical and start the process again. Is this correct? Yes, but normally not as quickly as this.