Welfare Rights Bulletin articles

Recent rule changes have made a number of changes to the universal credit (UC) rules. The changes include an expansion of the UC areas in north west England, and the introduction of the possibility of new claims from couples. Simon Osborne explains.

David Simmons considers the effects of the introduction of same-sex marriage and some recent caselaw on cohabitation.

Jon Shaw takes a look at some of the issues with the rollout of personal independence payment (PIP).

CPAG has launched an innovative new service for advisers and claimants who want to know more about the different local schemes and short-term benefit advances which replaced the discretionary social fund in April 2013. Dan Norris explains what the free service will offer.

Simon Osborne reviews some important recent caselaw about the work capability assessment (WCA).

The future of localised welfare assistance schemes has been thrown into doubt as it emerged that DWP funding would end in April 2015. Dan Norris explains more, including news of the campaign to save the funding for the schemes.

On 21 February 2014 the Court of Appeal dismissed human rights challenges to the benefit cap and the bedroom tax. Mike Spencer considers the implications for human rights arguments in social security cases.

David Simmons examines the issues and options which arise in relation to the payment of benefit during a dispute about whether a claimant has limited capability for work.