This post was updated on 4 October 2024. Work Capability Assessments Employment and Support Allowance is a benefit for people whose health problems… Read More > "The Work Capability Assessment"
Universal Credit Childcare Costs Element
This post was updated on 18th May 2023 to include the new childcare amounts that will apply from July 2023 Also, from summer… Read More > "Universal Credit Childcare Costs Element"
Can two people claim Carer’s Allowance for looking after each other?
Hi Mike I am working with a client who gets PIP and income-related ESA. Her son is now claiming Carer’s Allowance and is… Read More > "Can two people claim Carer’s Allowance for looking after each other?"
Savings, Capital and Universal Credit
If you have more than £16,000 you cannot claim Universal Credit. If you have more than £6,000 your capital will affect the amount… Read More > "Savings, Capital and Universal Credit"
Old Style ESA: Getting a New iESA Award
Old-Style ESA and New-Style ESA Employment and Support Allowance is a benefit for people whose illness or disability means that they have limited… Read More > "Old Style ESA: Getting a New iESA Award"
The Two Child Limit
Which Benefits Does The Limit Apply To? From 6th April 2017 a two child limit has applied to Child Tax Credit, Universal Credit… Read More > "The Two Child Limit"
PIP, DLA and AA in Hospitals and Residential Care
Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance If your disability causes care needs you may get: DLA Care Component if you… Read More > "PIP, DLA and AA in Hospitals and Residential Care"
Reducing the Council Tax Bill
Council Tax is a tax charged by local councils on the dwellings in their area. All homes are given a notional value and… Read More > "Reducing the Council Tax Bill"
ESA and Universal Credit?
Hi Mike, Hope you’re well, I am just enquiring in relation to service users who are currently in receipt of Universal Credit with… Read More > "ESA and Universal Credit?"
Support Group? Work Related Activity Group?
This post was updated on 21 April 22 to show the correct figures for the financial year 2022/23 Work Capability Assessments Employment and… Read More > "Support Group? Work Related Activity Group?"
Kevin is about to turn 66, Maria is 58.
Hey Mike, Another query for you. I am currently supporting a couple. Kevin will be 66 in May. Maria is aged 58. They… Read More > "Kevin is about to turn 66, Maria is 58."
Keeping ESA Going After A Fit-For-Work Decision
Hi Mike My client was getting income-related ESA until recently. The DWP did a new Work Capability Assessment on her and said that… Read More > "Keeping ESA Going After A Fit-For-Work Decision"
How Much Universal Credit Do You Get For Rent?
This post was updated in April 2024 to give the correct amount of the non-dependants contribution Hi Mike My job involves supporting people… Read More > "How Much Universal Credit Do You Get For Rent?"
New Rules and New Developments for European Nationals
Brexit and Benefits Brexit has completely changed the rights of European citizens to live and work in the UK – And a knock… Read More > "New Rules and New Developments for European Nationals"
Goodbye SDP Gateway! Hello Transitional SDP Element!
The Severe Disability Premium The SDP is not a separate benefit. It’s an extra £66.95 per week of Income Support, Income-related ESA or… Read More > "Goodbye SDP Gateway! Hello Transitional SDP Element!"
A new restriction on UC claims by students who are ill or disabled
One of the basic rules of Universal Credit is that you must not be receiving education. There are several exceptions to this rule… Read More > "A new restriction on UC claims by students who are ill or disabled"
The SDP Gateway
The SDP Gateway rule that this post is about was scrapped on 26th January 2021. I’m leaving this information here to provide a… Read More > "The SDP Gateway"
Older Carers – Pension, Carer’s Allowance and Overlapping Benefits
Hello Mike My client is 67. Each week she gets State Pension of £148.15 and Pension Credit of £25.60. She owns her house.… Read More > "Older Carers – Pension, Carer’s Allowance and Overlapping Benefits"
Income Support for Lone Parents and Carers
Hi Mike Martha is a lone parent. Her son Mikial (4) has cerebral palsy and so Martha gets DLA for him (middle care,… Read More > "Income Support for Lone Parents and Carers"
Universal Credit and Housing Benefit for a Hostel Resident Who Works
This post was updated on 8 April 2022 Hi Mike I work in a hostel and came to your training on Universal Credit… Read More > "Universal Credit and Housing Benefit for a Hostel Resident Who Works"