Welfare rights news and case law

14 July, 2010

Changes to housing benefit will not take effect until April 2011 says Minister of State for Pensions

Regulations to be laid before parliament in autumn 2010 with primary legislation for more long term changes to follow

13 July, 2010

Claiming bereavement benefits and funeral payments by telephone

New DWP guidance

13 July, 2010

Deductions for guaranteed minimum pension following change to female pensionable age

New DWP guidance

12 July, 2010

Previous favourable medical assessment / treatment of claimant’s evidence

CIB/2882/2009

12 July, 2010

Use of relative as interpreter at tribunal hearing

CIB/2431/2009

9 July, 2010

Revenue to carry out in depth review of its use of 0845 telephone numbers

Government aware that cost of calls can be an issue for some HMRC customers

9 July, 2010

New concordat between the DWP and the Scottish Government

Document sets out statement of intent of the way that the Department and the Scottish Government will work together

9 July, 2010

Jobcentre Plus advisers need more training to help them understand the detailed issues faced by older people

New DWP research report

9 July, 2010

Managing the flow of customers in Jobcentre Plus offices by directing those without appointments to the most appropriate contact channel

New DWP research report

9 July, 2010

Only a quarter of those eligible for child maintenance receive payment in full

New DWP research report on child maintenance arrangements in 2007/2008

8 July, 2010

Understanding the needs of people with mental health conditions or learning disabilities when claiming benefits

New DWP research report

8 July, 2010

More than 250,00 pension credit claimants to benefit from new Energy Rebate Scheme

Rebates to begin to be made to eligible households later this month

8 July, 2010

Coalition government draws up plans to break up the DWP

Secretary of State keen to separate out the department's pensions responsibilities, according to media reports

7 July, 2010

Exploring attitudes towards the introduction of a single working age benefit

New DWP research

7 July, 2010

Understanding the difference that DLA & AA make to people’s lives

New DWP research report

6 July, 2010

Local housing allowance changes could push London households over the edge

Housing benefit reform must be done in a way that ensures the most vulnerable are protected, says Shelter

6 July, 2010

Help with NHS costs

New statutory instrument

6 July, 2010

Exploring the reasons for the low level of employment among DLA recipients

New DWP research report

5 July, 2010

Revenue needs to demonstrate more clearly that it is providing value for money in its administration of National Insurance

However staff reductions have been achieved while avoiding major operational failures, reports National Audit Office