Becoming entitled to universal credit (UC) (including on migration to UC) requires the making of a valid claim. What does it mean to make a valid claim for UC? Can a claim be defective? Could that lead to ‘claim closure?’ Simon Osborne reviews the law and practice.

Carri Swann considers recent caselaw on how appellants should be questioned in the First-tier Tribunal.

Martin Williams looks at the advice implications of the Supreme Court’s refusal to grant the Secretary of State permission to appeal against the Court of Appeal judgment in AT.

The DWP will, as part of its anti-fraud plan, carry out a large-scale review of universal credit cases. Owen Stevens examines the Targeted Case Review.

Will Hadwen looks at planned changes to conditionality and sanctions in the universal credit (UC) system.

Henri Krishna looks at new rules regarding the universal credit (UC) transitional SDP element.

Can someone successfully claim personal independence payment (PIP) without a diagnosis? Carri Swann looks at recent caselaw and answers some frequently asked questions.

CPAG continues to receive reports of problems facing claimants granted immigration leave further to an asylum claim when they claim universal credit. While there has been some recent change, these reports largely reflect long-standing misunderstandings by DWP staff. Jessica Strode sets out some questions and answers.

As food bank use continues to soar to unprecedented levels, the Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN) wants to see the UK without the need for charitable food aid, where adequate and nutritious food is affordable to all. Why is a ‘cash first’ approach the way forward?

CPAG convened a panel of lower income parents from Black and minority ethnic communities in London to understand how policies affect them and changes they want to see. We talk about our approach, key learnings and considerations for future projects.

CPAG’s new report shows that the average British class of 30 pupils now has nine children living in poverty; the harder-hit areas have 11. They add up to 4.2 million British children whose parents have too little income to support them properly. What steps should be taken to prevent and end child poverty?

Martin Williams considers the DWP’s operational guidance concerning making awards of universal credit to those with pre-settled status but without a qualifying right to reside.