Welfare Rights Bulletin articles

2013 is a landmark year in welfare reform. Simon Osborne outlines the main changes.

David Simmons looks at alternative provision following the abolition of the discretionary social fund (SF) from 1 April 2013.

New rules came into effect on 3 December 2012 for employment and support allowance (ESA) claimants who fall foul of the requirement on them to take part in work-related activity or a work-focused interviews. Edward Graham outlines the main features of the new sanctions regime.

David Simmons examines new rules which restrict the housing benefit (HB) entitlement of social housing tenants with excess bedrooms.

New rules taking effect from 28 January 2013 make further changes to the work capability assessment (WCA). Simon Osborne describes what has happened.

Alison Gilles explains the rules concerning the new civil penalties than can be applied to some benefit overpayments.

David Simmons considers how payments for supported accommodation will be met after the introduction of universal credit, in the light of recent government announcements.

Martin Williams highlights the practical steps that can now be taken to assist claimants who were sanctioned to file (late) appeals and the sheer volume of unlawful sanction decisions which it appears have been made.

Mark Willis explains how the rules designed to restrict child benefit for ‘high earners’ are meant to work.

Kate Bell looks gives an overview of what early research has uncovered about the future impact of welfare reform.