​Rosie Mears and Martin Williams consider whether a request for universal credit (UC) for an earlier period is required before a claim is decided in order for backdating to be considered.

​Jon Shaw looks at the rules for the latest new Scottish benefit.

The US is in the early stages of repurposing an old policy tool – a national child allowance – to a new end: cutting child poverty during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. How does this compare to the past and present situation for children and child benefits in the UK?

By Megan A Curran

Reducing poverty-related stigma to improve the uptake of free school meals is critical. The COVID-19 pandemic has illustrated how millions of families rely on school food to help make ends meet. How are free school meals delivered in different schools and what impact does that have on children? What can be done to reduce shame and stigma for children?

By Ellie Harwood

In-work poverty has been on the rise in the UK. Just before the pandemic hit, three-quarters of children living in poverty had at least one parent in work. What role does the social security system, and in particular universal credit, play in helping or hindering low-income working families?

By Hannah Aldridge

Jessica Strode reviews the law on the national insurance number (NINo) requirement, before considering official policy on operating the requirement and a possible legal challenge.

The coronavirus pandemic has led to many more people being affected by the benefit cap. Owen Stevens revisits the ‘grace period’ exemption from the universal credit benefit cap.

​Simon Osborne reports on recent legal and policy developments regarding deductions from universal credit (UC).

​Mark Willis reviews coronavirus-related changes from April 2021.

New provision has been made for inclusion of a transitional SDP element in the calculation of universal credit (UC) awards. Owen ​Stevens examines these provisions.

Rosie Mears considers some common issues that arise with supersessions of universal credit (UC) awards and the importance of properly identifying the ground of supersession and effective date from which an award should be superseded.

​Jessica Strode looks at some legal issues regarding work capability assessments during the coronavirus pandemic.