This blog post is for welfare rights technical nerds Here is a word file of an annotated extract from the The Universal Credit… Read More > "The Law of Universal Credit Migration"
Missing Backpayments?
Two queries on the similar topics: Hey Mike,I’ve been on UC for a while because I’ve been unwell. I was put in the… Read More > "Missing Backpayments?"
Changes of Circumstances – Universal Credit Supersessions
Supersessions If you have a benefit claim up and running, a supersession is the legal process for changing your award if something about… Read More > "Changes of Circumstances – Universal Credit Supersessions"
Mixed-Age-Couples
Couples’ Claims for Means-Tested Benefits In couple claims for iESA, iJSA, IS, and HB one partner makes the claim, which covers both. In… Read More > "Mixed-Age-Couples"
Backdating a Claim for Universal Credit
Backdating a Claim for Universal Credit Usually Universal Credit starts from the day that you make a claim for it, but in some… Read More > "Backdating a Claim for Universal Credit"
Claiming Together. Who Counts As A Couple?
Three queries on the same topic: A query from Frankie Our service provides emergency accommodation for single homeless people. This week Anna and… Read More > "Claiming Together. Who Counts As A Couple?"
Moving Home Because of Domestic Abuse
Hello Mike, My client and her 17 year olds son have got a new tenancy in a new council area. She was re-housed,… Read More > "Moving Home Because of Domestic Abuse"
Some things about the benefits system that it’s useful to know if you work with women fleeing domestic violence or domestic abuse
Do You Have To Claim Universal Credit, Or Can You Stay On The Legacy Benefits? Universal Credit is taking over from the old-school… Read More > "Some things about the benefits system that it’s useful to know if you work with women fleeing domestic violence or domestic abuse"
Same Starting Point – Two Completely Different Answers
Hi Mike I’ve had a couple of cases recently where clients have made claims for Housing Benefit and the local council says that… Read More > "Same Starting Point – Two Completely Different Answers"
The Work Capability Assessment
This post was updated on 18 May 2023. Work Capability Assessments Employment and Support Allowance is a benefit for people whose health problems… Read More > "The Work Capability Assessment"
Universal Credit Childcare Costs Element
This post was updated on 18th May 2023 to include the new childcare amounts that will apply from July 2023 Also, from summer… Read More > "Universal Credit Childcare Costs Element"
Can two people claim Carer’s Allowance for looking after each other?
Hi Mike I am working with a client who gets PIP and income-related ESA. Her son is now claiming Carer’s Allowance and is… Read More > "Can two people claim Carer’s Allowance for looking after each other?"
Savings, Capital and Universal Credit
If you have more than £16,000 you cannot claim Universal Credit. If you have more than £6,000 your capital will affect the amount… Read More > "Savings, Capital and Universal Credit"
Old Style ESA: Getting a New iESA Award
Old-Style ESA and New-Style ESA Employment and Support Allowance is a benefit for people whose illness or disability means that they have limited… Read More > "Old Style ESA: Getting a New iESA Award"
Travel Expenses Paid With Wages – They should not count as earnings for Universal Credit
This post was updated on 6 July 2022 to give the correct benefit rates for the current financial year. Hi Mike I am… Read More > "Travel Expenses Paid With Wages – They should not count as earnings for Universal Credit"
The Two Child Limit
Which Benefits Does The Limit Apply To? From 6th April 2017 a two child limit has applied to Child Tax Credit, Universal Credit… Read More > "The Two Child Limit"
PIP, DLA and AA in Hospitals and Residential Care
Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance If your disability causes care needs you may get: DLA Care Component if you… Read More > "PIP, DLA and AA in Hospitals and Residential Care"
Reducing the Council Tax Bill
Council Tax is a tax charged by local councils on the dwellings in their area. All homes are given a notional value and… Read More > "Reducing the Council Tax Bill"
ESA and Universal Credit?
Hi Mike, Hope you’re well, I am just enquiring in relation to service users who are currently in receipt of Universal Credit with… Read More > "ESA and Universal Credit?"
Support Group? Work Related Activity Group?
This post was updated on 21 April 22 to show the correct figures for the financial year 2022/23 Work Capability Assessments Employment and… Read More > "Support Group? Work Related Activity Group?"