Ongoing News

Managed migration is taking place for some tax credit claimants by geographical area.

Universal Credit is strengthening its position as the main means tested benefts for those of working age. Government statistics show up to 13/7/2023-

The government has released statistics showing some of the deductions clients have taken from their Universal Credit.  Over half a million clients had more than one deduction.  Budgeting advance was the most common deduction and overpayments of both tax credits and other DWP overpayments feature highly.

Rents are increasing quickly with the cost of living crisis. In 2020, the government increased LHA rates to the 30th percentile of market rents in Broad Rental Market

Areas (BRMA) across the country. They have not increased since.

The government has released Universal Credit receipt statistics related to armed forces personnel.
The fgures show over 3,000 are currently serving and over 50,000 have served in the past. (many claimants have not

30,000 Universal Credit migration notices are being sent to clients each month and this should be up to 80,000 by the end of the year. Clients on tax credits are being targeted frst, and the roll out is done in terms of geographical area.

One of the reasons is that there are deductions built into claims. This means most UC claimants do not get their full entitlement to UC each month. Deductions could be to repay advance payments of UC or overpayments of benefts especially tax credits and UC. Also rent arrears.

Childcare Costs maximums increase- From July 2023, Increase in the Universal Credit childcare costs(paid at 85% of actual costs) maximum amounts to £951(previously £646.35) for 1 child and £1,630(previously £1,108.04 for 2 children.

The government has said there has been an increase in response time on the PIP enquiry line. In April 2023 it had risen to 43 minutes.

Governments Statistics on the work capability assessment show that over 1 million are in the support group(LCWRA) and nearly 300,000 in the WRAG group(LCW).

Click here for some useful DWP resources on how to claim PIP.

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A report by Which? found 'overall 2 million households missed or defaulted on at least one mortgage, rent, loan, credit card or bill in April The 7.3 per cent missed payment rate observed is in line with the level seen at the same time last year, but higher than in

Latest statistics show 'in February 2023, 6.18% of UC full service claimants subject to sanction as part of their conditionality regime'. This is often due to not attending a mandatory interview.

We have updated out Cost of Living Support Guide 2022- 2024 to include the law-

Disability Cost of Living Payment- Qualifying date for 2023 payments – 1/4/2023. Payment to be issued between 20 June and 4 July 2023.

The numbers of claimants who are subject to the minimum income floor has risen from 14% to 31% in just a year. Once a client has been self employed for one year, the minimum income foor presumes a minimum income for each monthly assessment period regardless of income actually received.