Read the latest social welfare news from around the UK.
Further Digitisation of Job Centres
In a press release the DWP has said-
'Claimants will soon be signing on using electronic pads in a move that will help to improve security, reduce fraud
in the welfare system and make the jobseeking process paperless.
Reassessment of DLA cases Under PIP
The government has amended its guidance on when old cases of DLA will be reasessed under the new PIP regime.
ATOS successor announced- Maximus
ATOS have lost the contract for the WCA(Work Capability Assessment) relating to ESA. From1/3/2015 an American private company will be responsible for the WCA medicals that your clients attend.
Dates for Universal Credit Rollout by Postcode across the North West
The government has issued guidance detailing when Universal Credit will start for further districts across the North West-
No. 14 relevant districts from 15.9.14
BL9 7 L31 1 L31 4 L33 3 L37 0 L37 5 L37 9 L39
and L33 4
7 day Waiting Period for ESA and JSA
From 27/10/2014, an extended waiting period at the start of a claim for ESA or JSA is being introduced. The new law will mean that no ESA or JSA would be paid for the first 7 'waiting days' instead of the present 3 days. Both types of ESA and also JSA are affected but not Housing Benefit.
More in Support Group
Latest ESA figures show us a continuing rise in the number of claimants being placed in the support group rather than the work related activity group. October to December 2013 shows: 73 per cent of those making new claims were entitled to ESA.
Worrying Drop in Benefit Appeals
Recent figures on the number of claimants appealing benefit decisions has shown a huge drop recently since the introduction of Mandatory Reconsiderations(October 2013).
PIP- Waiting Times to Fall?
The government has said that the lengthy wait to get a decision on PIP(often one year), should now be a thing of the past!
Latest PIP Statistics
Latest official news on PIP tells us-
Claim Short Term Benefit Advances
Remember to advise your clients to claim short term benefit advances where appropriate.
The government has said -
PIP problems- delays and lack of interpreter- MP helps again!
We'd like to share this with you-
help required- bedroom tax or non dependents- what to advise?
We would like to share with you a recent query regarding restrictions in Housing Benefits.
You have just explained-
Problems with Appeals and What to Advise
Changes to the way clients challenge Benefit decisions were introduced in October 2013. This included having to go for a 'Mandatory Reconsideration' (but not for Housing Benefit decisions) before being allowed to appeal. Another change was having to send an appeal directly to the Appeals Service(HMCTS- Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service), called direct lodgement.
Take-up of Benefits and Poverty
£billions of Welfare Benefits are unclaimed each year. A detailed report on this topic has been released by Inclusion.
Exclusivity Clause and Universal Credit
Further information has emerged from EsterMcVey, Minister of State(DepartmentforWorkandPensions), about Zero hours contracts. In our June newsletter we explained how the government said that JSA claimants won't be expected to apply for zero hours contract jobs.