Welfare rights news and case law

3 August, 2017

Three-quarters of capped households are capped because of the introduction of lower cap levels

New DWP statistics also show that 77 per cent of capped households now live outside Greater London

3 August, 2017

Only disabilities which led to DLA award can be deemed to automatically satisfy the three months retrospective condition under PIP transitional regulations

CPIP/48/2017

2 August, 2017

MPs write to Employment Minister to urge that all full-time disabled students who receive DLA or PIP be entitled to universal credit

Disability Rights UK, who co-authors the letter, highlights that students who have not yet had a work capability assessment can not qualify for the benefit

2 August, 2017

Making labour market support mandatory does not increase the level of engagement by claimants

New qualitative research from the DWP also finds that claimants prefer a supportive and collaborative approach rather than one that is prescriptive

2 August, 2017

Increase to female state pension age means 1.1 million women are worse off by average of £32 per week

Institute for Fiscal Studies finds that increased employment rates among women aged 60 to 62 are not enough to offset losses of pension age benefits

1 August, 2017

Support for mortgage interest enables claimants to maintain housing stability, according to new DWP research

However, interest-only mortgagors most likely to claim the support are least able to repay the capital, or understand the risks they face

1 August, 2017

Bereavement support payment and reciprocal agreements

New DWP guidance

1 August, 2017

New employment support schemes to be piloted in six English regions

£35 million has been committed by DWP and DCLG to pilot new approaches to employment support for people who face long-term barriers to work and in-work progression

1 August, 2017

Nature of investigation required when assessing an ability to read and understand written information for PIP activity 8

CPIP/777/2016

31 July, 2017

Sure start maternity grants and establishing entitlement based upon a subsequent award of a qualifying benefit

CIS/2777/2016

28 July, 2017

President of the Social Entitlement Chamber ‘determined’ to ensure that no appellant feels or is disadvantaged by use of on-line dispute resolution

Judge Aitken also says that the concept of a ‘continuous on-line hearing’ will bring judges and other parties together at a much earlier stage

28 July, 2017

Factors to consider when assessing temporary absence from home and commerciality of tenancy

CH/25/2017

28 July, 2017

Requirement for claimants to cooperate and share evidence in their knowledge to show benefit entitlement conditions are met

CJSA/2170/2016

27 July, 2017

Requirement to identify the specific type of work a claimant could undertake without substantial risk for the purposes of ESA regulation 29

CE/281/2017

26 July, 2017

Amendments to social security legislation consequent upon the introduction of loans for mortgage interest

New statutory instrument

26 July, 2017

Recovery of tax credit debts from other benefits and through earnings deductions in Northern Ireland

New statutory instrument

26 July, 2017

Almost 300,000 vulnerable and low income households in Wales received a reduction in their council tax in 2016/2017

Welsh Government is ensuring that local authorities in Wales continue to be shielded from the costs faced by councils in England, says Local Government Secretary

26 July, 2017

Help with health service costs in Northern Ireland following the introduction of universal credit

Department of Health launches public consultation on proposed changes to eligibility criteria

25 July, 2017

Government responds to SSAC questions about extended vulnerability criteria for immediate access to JSA hardship payments

DWP does not accept that the definition of ‘homelessness’ needs broadening, nor a need for the removal of the requirement to make a judgment as to the potential deterioration in a claimant’s condition unless JSA is paid