News & Updates
Welcome to our latest newsletter - bringing you right up to date with useful welfare benefit information.
The UK formally left the European Union (EU) on 31st January 2020 and entered a transition period during which most EU laws continued in force. This meant that EEA Nationals could continue to live, work and access benefits and services in the UK as they did before exit day.This transition period ended on 31st December 2021, and EU laws no longer apply to the UK.The UK left the EU through the Withdrawal Agreement, which provided for an orderly exit and transition to the future relationship with the EU. It also introduced the EU Settlement Scheme to enable most EEA Nationals (and certain family members) who were already living in the UK on or before 31st December 2020 to retain the rights they had gained whilst GB was a member of the EU.These EEA Nationals (and certain family members) have until 30th June 2021 to apply. Any EEA National now wishing to come to the UK to live, work or study (apart from those allowed to join an EEA National already living in the UK) will need to apply for leave to remain under new immigration rules (a points based system). The new system treats EEA and non-EEA Nationals equally.We have been working flat out to update the pages on our website.A system that was already pretty complicated has just become more complex.Watch out for our EEA National and UC 'special' that we shall be sending out in the next couple of weeks highlighting the key changes, risk areas and improvements made to the website.
If someone makes a new claim for Universal Credit because they have become sick, or they were already on UC but have since become sick, they need to have a Work Capability Assessment. If they are found to have (or treated as having) a limited capability for work and work related activities, the LCWRA Element should be added to their UC assessment after the 'relevant period' (except for those who fall under special rules for terminal illness).We have heard of many claimants who have missed out on the LCWRA Element for periods of their UC award - because the DWP have input the incorrect date for the start of their 'relevant period'. They should make sure they receive arrears of UC!The good news is that because this will often be due to a DWP error, there is no time limit to challenge the mistake and get it fixed. Many claimants may be due back pay that could help maintain a budget and rent payments through these difficult times.
The new Scottish Child Payment is £10 per week for every child under six for households with children and in receipt of a qualifying benefit (Universal Credit, Legacy Benefits and/or Pension Credit).It does not affect other benefits.It will be paid from 15 February 2021 but applications have been open since 9 November 2020.The Scottish Government aims to extend the scheme to children under 16 by the end of 2022.How to apply here.
Buttle UK have received National Lottery funding to set up a COVID-19 Direct Emergency Response for Children and Young People Fund.They can provide grants of up to £2,000 for children and young people.Strict criteria apply.