Welcome to
UCnotes
Working together toresolve welfare benefit problems
To learn more about us
SEE BELOW
What we offer
Our website
You’ll find up-to-date and comprehensive information on Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and other benefits.It’s quick and easy to access - with everything in one place.Designed to meet the needs of housing and advice workers, each page is packed full of the commentary, references, examples and tools you need to help your customers deal with the complexities of the benefit system.
Our tools
There's over 300 standard letters on the website designed to save you time and get results. They are written in plain English but quoting the latest case law and relevant regulations.With access to a suite of Calculators, Mapping Tools, Summary Sheets and Flowcharts that help navigate the benefit system and ensure your customers are receiving the right entitlement.
Our query service
Subscribers have access to our team of experts via our email query service.
They can help:
What's new?
HOT TOPIC
Managed Migration: April Uprating and timing of the claim
Legacy benefit claimants who have received their Managed Migration Notice should think carefully about the timing of their UC claim. The exact date on which they make their claim can have a big impact on the amount of their UC going forward, when they receive their UC payments and also when they have to report things like childcare costs and self-employed earnings.
Here we are looking at how that decision may be impacted by the April benefit uprating.
Click here to see the article.
WEBSITE PAGES
Have you seen our improved page on the Manage Migration Transitional Element?
We have made improvements to this page on how the Manage Migration Transitional Element is worked out for those affected by the Benefit Cap on Universal Credit.
Click here to see the improved page.
MOST RECENT NEWSLETTER
Have you seen our February 2024 newsletter?
Updates and commentary on the latest and most relevant in the benefit world and our newest and upcoming events.
Click here to see the newsletter.
Latest benefit news
NEW TOOL
Transitional Element Calculator
Our calculator is a guide to help you work out a Tax Credit-only claimant's likely Transitional Element amount.
It is based on the Regulations, Guidance and information provided by the DWP as at 5th February 2024.
Click here to see the calculator.
UPDATED E-LEARNING
Have you seen our updated Transitional SDP Element E-Learning?
We have updated the Transitional SDP Element E-Learning to take account of the changes from 14th February 2024.
Click here to see the e-learning courses.
UC Caselaw: Backdates don't need to be requested in first MAP
Added on 4th March 2024
The DWP's position has always been than for a UC claim to be backdated, the claimant must request it before their claim is decided at the end of their first MAP. The Court of Appeal have now ruled that this should not be necessary. Refusal to backdate an award gives rise to a right of appeal with the normal time limits. The Court also criticised the fact that the UC claim form does not give claimants an opportunity to request a backdate. Click here for the Court of Appeal caselaw.
ESA Caselaw: Reporting intention to draw pension is not enough
Added on 1st March 2024
In this case, the claimant reported to the ESA Dept that he intended to retire and would start to draw his occupational pension but he did not follow this up when he actually started receiving it. This meant he was overpaid ESA and the DWP wanted to recover this. The Upper Tribunal decided that the claimant had clearly been informed (via leaflet) that he needed to report when he started getting pension income. As he had not done so, the overpayment is recoverable - even though, had they checked the RTI system the DWP would have been able to see that he was receiving a pension. Click here for the ESA caselaw.
Surplus earnings threshold remains at £2,500 for a further 12 months
The DWP have announced that the surplus earnings threshold will remain at £2,500 until 31st March 2025. It was temporarily increased from £300 in 2018 but has remained at £2,500 ever since. Click here to find out more about surplus earnings.
Upcoming events
UC managed migration overviewONLINE WORKSHOP
Tuesday 12th March 20249.30am - 1.00pm
CLICK HEREto see more about the event
Transitional SDP ElementWEBINAR
Wednesday 20th March 202410am - 11.30am
Calculating the Transitional ElementONLINE WORKSHOP
Wednesday 17th April 20249.30am - 1pm
To see all of our training and events
CLICK HERE
We'd like you to try our services completely free for two weeks. That gives you the chance to see what we do and how we can help you resolve benefit problems and maximise income.
"Your new look website looks brilliant and makes it easy to find exactly what I need. Over the past few months we've saved over £20,000 by using the information and tools you provide.."