Welfare rights news and case law

6 December, 2024

DWP analysis of its use of machine learning to prevent universal credit advance payment fraud identified statistically significant disparities in relation to protected characteristics

However, Department says that results, including in relation to age and disability, were 'as anticipated' and that continued operation of the model is 'reasonable and proportionate'

6 December, 2024

Warnings about consequence of failing to submit to a WCA medical examination were inadequate in initial notification to attend and subsequent interaction with healthcare professional

SB v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
[2024] UKUT 372 (AAC)
UA-2024-000328-ESA

6 December, 2024

Welfare mitigation payments in Northern Ireland to be extended to 2028

Minister for Communities says that extension of the Welfare Supplementary Payment schemes will provide reassurance and help protect the most vulnerable in society

5 December, 2024

Pension credit claim clearance times now exceed 60 working days despite DWP staff recruitment and redeployment

Work and Pensions Minister says that processing 'is taking a little longer' thanks to the increase in the number of claims as a result of the Department's recent take-up campaign

5 December, 2024

DWP awards contract to IBM to help it ‘scale up’ its work on the use of Generative AI

Work will consider ethical, legal and commercial 'enablers', and ensure that the Department continues with its overall strategy of keeping humans 'in the loop' on any decision

5 December, 2024

Expiry date on physical residence permits should not impact benefit claims while the Home Office transitions to a fully digital eVisa immigration system

DWP responds to concerns raised by the3million that benefit entitlement may be wrongly curtailed because physical residence cards and permits expire on 31 December 2024

5 December, 2024

Decision to ‘scrap’ two-child limit in Scotland presents a ‘fiscal risk’

Scottish Fiscal Commission estimates that policy will cost £150 million in 2026/2027, rising to £200 million in 2029/2030

5 December, 2024

Providing for the sending of claimant notifications electronically in relation to universal credit and maternity allowance following a death

Department for Communities in Northern Ireland issues new electronic communications direction

4 December, 2024

Scottish Government commits to effectively ‘scrapping’ the two-child benefit limit from 2026

Delivering the Scottish Budget 2025/2026, Finance Secretary says policy is a pernicious part of the UK welfare system and has caused misery for children and families in Scotland

4 December, 2024

Scottish Parliament passes the Social Security (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill

Social Justice Secretary says that new legislation will advance equality and non-discrimination and ensure the Scottish social security system is efficient and delivers value for money

4 December, 2024

Work and Pensions Minister announces appointment of new lead Ministers for disability in each government department

Sir Stephen Timms says he looks forward to the new group driving real improvements across government for disabled people

3 December, 2024

Scottish Government has spent more than £1 billion mitigating impacts of UK Government’s welfare reforms since 2010

Responding to written question, Social Justice Secretary says UK Government must do more to ensure UK social security system at least covers essential living costs

3 December, 2024

Northern Ireland Justice Minister announces major programme of access to justice reform

Executive to consult on new programme of work designed to refocus services and put the citizen at the heart of the justice system

2 December, 2024

Court of Appeal holds that claimant could rely on social assistance benefits paid to his partner in order to demonstrate self-sufficiency where his presence did not increase entitlement

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions v Versnick and Another
[2024] EWCA Civ 1454

29 November, 2024

DWP’s plans for closure of the Move to UC Programme increase the likelihood of vulnerable people’s health deteriorating and them being at risk of harm

NAWRA evidence to Select Committee says that closure of the programme in March 2025 is 'premature' and could result in many failing to migrate to universal credit safely

29 November, 2024

Select Committees call for the Home Office and Department for Health and Social Care to be involved in development of the government’s new Child Poverty Strategy

Joint letter also includes recommendation to consider the effect of social security policies such as the administrative earnings threshold, the two child limit and the benefit cap on child poverty

29 November, 2024

Improvements to funeral support payment in Scotland to reflect changing funeral trends, appeal outcomes and developments since its launch in 2019

New statutory instrument

28 November, 2024

Pension credit claims up by 145 per cent since announcement to restrict winter fuel payments to those on means-tested benefits

However, new DWP statistics also show that more than half the claims have not resulted in an award

28 November, 2024

Scottish Government commits to reinstating universal winter heating payments from next year

Social Justice Secretary also confirms a £41 million package of support for people struggling with energy costs this winter