A recent court decision has resolved conflicting case law on the interpretation of the 'substantial risk' rule, which applies to the assessments for incapacity for work (the personal capability assessment) and limited capability for work (the work capability assessment). Simon Osborne explains.

David Simmons examines the current state of play on the recurring issue of tax credits overpayments which arise when a partner leaves or joins a household.

Martin Williams looks at the benefit options for existing claimants of income support (IS) or incapacity benefit (IB) who are found capable of work.

Martin Williams looks at the issues for pregnant EEA nationals caused by the 'right to reside' requirement.

Tax credits were designed to be responsive and flexible, supposedly delivering support to reflect families' current needs and resources. Mark Willis looks at how the system responds to the effects of the recession.

Judith Paterson looks at changes to housing benefit (HB) and council tax benefit (CTB) applicable amounts for employment and support allowance (ESA) claimants and considers some better-off issues.

The Social Security (Lone Parents and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2008 were laid on 23 November 2008. Its provisions are implemented at varying dates from 24 November 2008 through to 2011, in most cases. Beth Lakhani describes the main changes.

The Government published a Welfare Reform Bill on 14 January 2009. Edward Graham outlines the main proposals in the Bill.

Martin Williams looks at the rules for claiming ESA.

Simon Osborne outlines the rules regarding decision-making and challenges in employment and support allowance (ESA).

Simon Osborne looks at the rules for the new First-tier Tribunals (FTT) for social security, and what they mean for presentation and use of evidence.

Angela Toal describes the main employment and support allowance (ESA) rules for students, pointing out where they are more restrictive than at present.