The rising cost of living could mean that more universal credit (UC) claimants apply for budgeting advances in the coming months. Carri Swann answers some frequently asked questions.

Additional ‘cost of living’ payments for certain benefit claimants have now commenced. Simon Osborne updates and looks ahead.

After the recent unsuccessful conclusion of a court case which sought to chip away at a problematic aspect arising from the universal credit (UC) monthly assessment period, Claire Hall provides a round-up on where things stand.

New rules and new plans in universal credit (UC) mean an increase in conditionality for significant numbers of working claimants. Simon Osborne explains.

Between now and the end of 2024, the DWP plans to move everyone who is currently claiming ‘legacy’ benefits onto universal credit (UC). Legacy benefits are tax credits, employment and support allowance (ESA), jobseeker’s allowance, housing benefit and income support. What will the process involve? What are the risks for people affected? And is there a better way forward?

By Owen Stevens

What were families on a low income facing going into the pandemic? What was it like to take part in the Covid Realities research programme? And what do participants hope to achieve through the new project, Changing Realities?

By Caroline, Ella, Emma, Jo, Kim, Shirley and Tayyaba from Changing Realities

In September 2022 the government announced that the average bill would be capped at £2,500 a year for the next two years. What impact will this have on fuel poverty? How many households are spending even greater proportions of their income on fuel? And who will be worst affected by rising prices?

By Jonathan Bradshaw and Antonia Keung

​Simon Osborne describes the arrangements for the making of additional payments to benefit and tax-credit claimants to help with steep rises in the cost of living.

​Emily Williams and Dee Lynch explore the duty on the DWP under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments for disabled claimants.

Jessica Strode looks at rules regarding entitlement to universal credit for 16-17 year olds and under-21 year olds who are ‘without parental support’.

​Owen Stevens reviews the background to the current plans to ‘managed migrate’ recipients of legacy benefits to universal credit.

​Jon Shaw looks at the new benefit which will replace personal independence payment (PIP) in Scotland.