Welfare rights news

9 July, 2010

Only a quarter of those eligible for child maintenance receive payment in full

New DWP research report on child maintenance arrangements in 2007/2008

8 July, 2010

Understanding the needs of people with mental health conditions or learning disabilities when claiming benefits

New DWP research report

8 July, 2010

More than 250,00 pension credit claimants to benefit from new Energy Rebate Scheme

Rebates to begin to be made to eligible households later this month

8 July, 2010

Coalition government draws up plans to break up the DWP

Secretary of State keen to separate out the department's pensions responsibilities, according to media reports

7 July, 2010

Exploring attitudes towards the introduction of a single working age benefit

New DWP research

7 July, 2010

Understanding the difference that DLA & AA make to people’s lives

New DWP research report

6 July, 2010

Local housing allowance changes could push London households over the edge

Housing benefit reform must be done in a way that ensures the most vulnerable are protected, says Shelter

6 July, 2010

Help with NHS costs

New statutory instrument

6 July, 2010

Exploring the reasons for the low level of employment among DLA recipients

New DWP research report

5 July, 2010

Revenue needs to demonstrate more clearly that it is providing value for money in its administration of National Insurance

However staff reductions have been achieved while avoiding major operational failures, reports National Audit Office

2 July, 2010

75 per cent of claimants satisfied with Jobcentre Plus services

No substantive change since 2007, according to new DWP research

1 July, 2010

Protection of housing benefit and council tax benefit when claimants migrated to ESA

New HB guidance

1 July, 2010

Number of ESA and incapacity benefit appeals double in last year

More than 40 per cent decided in favour of claimant, according to new Tribunals Service statistics

1 July, 2010

WCA is accurately identifying claimants’ capability for work according to DWP internal review

However, report recommends amendments to descriptors to make them simpler and to include effects of adaptations

30 June, 2010

Claiming bereavement benefits and funeral payments by telephone

New statutory instrument

30 June, 2010

Tailored, claimant focused approach to WFIs more effective than ‘ticking boxes’ says DWP research

New report supports advisers being given more flexibility over timing and content of interviews

30 June, 2010

Higher rate of the mobility component of DLA for those with severe visual impairment

New statutory instrument

30 June, 2010

Contracts for new Work Programme to be worth up to £3 billion per year

However, value may be dependent on savings made by getting claimants into employment says DWP

29 June, 2010

Migration of incapacity benefits claimants onto ESA and jobseeker’s allowance

DWP publishes details of process, including trials to start in October 2010