Welfare rights news

9 July, 2009

Government considering converting attendance allowance and disability living allowance into discretionary social care grants

'Whitehall row' delays publication of green paper

9 July, 2009

Revenue staff begin overtime ban as tax credit renewal deadline approaches

Processing delays likely, says Public and Commercial Services Union

9 July, 2009

Jobcentre Plus needs to do more to promote equality

New report from the Equality and Human Rights Commission following year-long review

8 July, 2009

Increasing the lower capital limit for pension credit and pension-age HB/CTB

New statutory instrument

7 July, 2009

DWP exploring how it might make calls to its 0800 telephone numbers free of charge for mobile phone users

DWP 'believes strongly' that calls should be free, says Minister

7 July, 2009

Department for Social Development in Northern Ireland has made 'excellent' progress in achieving its Public Service Agreement targets

Real change being brought about despite the economic downturn, says Minister

6 July, 2009

Treatment of student loans in the assessment of help with NHS costs

New statutory instrument

6 July, 2009

Restricting LHA payments to the level of the claimant’s rent liability

Social Security Advisory Committee launches consultation

6 July, 2009

Lone parent earnings disregard to be increased to £50/week

Measure to be piloted from 2010, announces Secretary of State

6 July, 2009

Local authority powers to investigate and prosecute national benefit offences

New statutory instrument

6 July, 2009

Encouraging benefit claimants to ‘kick-start a saving habit’

Saving Gateway Accounts Act 2009 receives Royal Assent

6 July, 2009

Benefit sanctions for those who refuse skills training

Social Security Advisory Committee launches consultation on proposed changes

6 July, 2009

Benefit sanctions for those in breach of a community order

Government confirms abandonment of plans after unsuccessful pilot

3 July, 2009

Prescription of Pleural Plaques for industrial injuries benefit purposes

New Industrial Injuries Advisory Council position paper

3 July, 2009

DWP doing ‘phenomenal’ work in providing people with a lifeline and ladder to a better future

Department rising to the economic challenge, says Secretary of State

2 July, 2009

Jurisdiction of the Social Entitlement Chamber, and eligibility for appointment as a Tribunal member

New statutory instruments

2 July, 2009

DWP decision making and appeals

Work and Pensions Select Committee launches inquiry

1 July, 2009

Miscellaneous amendments to means tested benefits

New statutory instrument

30 June, 2009

Young people who have been out of work for more than 12 months to be required to take up a job, training or work experience place

Government reaffirms commitment on launch of 'radical' new vision