Labour’s Decision to Drop ‘Fitness for Work’ Test
By engaging in self-employment, gaining new skills, or obtaining a degree, claimants can often avoid constant reassessments and the anxiety of proving their inability to work.
Housing Benefits and Self-Employment Income Calculations
There is often confusion around whether income for housing benefits should be based on drawings rather than profit. It’s a common misconception that profit, representing the overall financial gain of the business, should be treated as the business’s turnover, not the income of the person running it.
DWP’s £2,323 Cap on Multiple Benefit Claims
In a recent policy update, the UK’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has introduced a freeze on the amount of certain benefits that people with multiple claims can receive. This cap, set at £2,323 per month, aims to limit the total amount of state support individuals and families can receive if they are claiming multiple benefits simultaneously.
The Cost of Living Crisis, and Child Poverty in the UK
The cost of living crisis in the UK is deepening, with significant implications for child poverty. As inflation rises, wages stagnate, and social support systems struggle to keep pace, many families find themselves unable to meet even basic needs. A distressing consequence of this is the growing number of children going to school hungry, a stark indicator of the increasing financial pressures on households across the country.
Universal Credit Non-Dependant Deductions & Savings
If you have a non-dependent child who is a full-time university student, their status provides an exemption from non-dependent deductions on your Universal Credit. Even if they have a part-time job, their earnings will not impact your benefits while they are in full-time education.
The Future of Work Capability Assessments
The Government’s consideration of changes to the WCA is a promising step towards a more compassionate and effective welfare system. By addressing the shortcomings of the current system and adopting a more individualized approach, the new assessment process could better support people with disabilities and long-term health conditions.
Universal Credit Measures to Mitigate Hardship, and Eviction
The UK Government is currently overseeing the migration of benefit claimants to Universal Credit (UC), a significant overhaul of the welfare system aimed at simplifying and streamlining benefits. Universal Credit replaces six legacy benefits, including Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, and Housing Benefit. However, the transition process has not been without challenges. Recognizing the potential for hardship, debt, and eviction risks during this migration, the Government is implementing several measures to support claimants through this transition.
The Minimum Income Floor and Its Discriminatory Impact
While the Minimum Income Floor aims to promote financial independence, its current implementation discriminates against people with disabilities and self-employed individuals by not accommodating their unique challenges.
Understanding the Shift: Universal Credit vs. Working Tax Credits
While Universal Credit is often praised for consolidating multiple benefits into a single streamlined payment system, it is, in reality, an elaborate plan that causes significant stress and hardship for claimants.
Understanding the Terms “Severely Disabled” and Discrimination
The term “severely disabled” in the context of benefits and support provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) raises concerns about potential discrimination and the differentiation of needs among disabled individuals.