Read the latest social welfare news from around the UK.
New Secretary of State for Benefits
The fourth different Secretary of State for Work and Pensions since Ian Duncan Smith quit in 2016 has been appointed. The new secretary is Esther McVey who was
minister for disabled people between 2012 and 2013 under Iain Duncan Smith. She helped implement PIP. She has previously been reported in the press as favouring the current freeze in benefit rates and the use of foodbanks.
Domestic Violence- Benefit help
The government has issued a helpful guide for those who have experienced domestic violence and abuse.
Mental Health- Clients to Gain PIP
The government has said that up to 220,000 clients will be due extra PIP.
Increases in Housing Benefit Non Dependent Deductions(weekly)
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Aged under 25 and on Income Support (IS) or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA(IB)) or ESA(IR) which does not include an amount for the support component or work-related activity component |
2017/ |
2018/ |
PIP Descriptor Changes – unlawful
The changes to the March 2017 PIP descriptors ruled out the descriptor mobility activity 1 (planning and following journeys) for many clients with mental health conditions. The government added to parts c, d and f ..'For reasons other than psychological distress'. The High Court has ruled that these changes are unlawful.
Benefits Rate Poster for 2018/ 2019
Ensure you get the next Benefits Rate Poster for 2018/2019 (due in mid January 2018) by checking you are subscribed to our free newsletter click here. All subscribers will be sent the new poster automatically free of charge.
Foodbanks- recommendations
Trussell Trust(along with CPAG) have produced a detailed report on the use of foodbanks. '...We urge the government, therefore, to ensure that there are robust systems in place – the safety net beneath the safety net – to protect vulnerable claimants when things do go wrong. This report highlights a number of actions that could help secure the change needed.
Universal Credit - latest
UC- no more new Live Service claims
The government has issued guidance to Housing Benefit staff HB Bulletin U4/2017 in connection with some of the
UC- No New Claims in Live Service Areas
There has been more complication introduced into the roll out schedule of Universal Credit.
New claims for Universal Credit in live service areas will cease at the end of December 2017, and instead new
claimants would claim legacy benefits. New claimants would then have to wait for the digital service in their area
10,000 PIP Claimants Benefit from Test Case
Concerning clients' ability to carry out the descriptors in PIP safely-
The government has said- '...Today I am publishing an updated version of the
ESA Health and Work Conversation National Roll-out Completed
'...The ESA health and work conversation (HWC) is a mandatory work focussed
interview that takes place around 4 weeks after a person makes an ESA claim
(unless an exemption applies).'(govt)
Universal Credit- latest and help
UC- latest and useful help
A useful DWP document for landlords explains-
No copy of the tenancy agreement? 'If a tenant doesn’t have a copy of their tenancy agreement, DWP may accept a