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Welcome to


UCnotes



Working together to
resolve welfare benefit problems



























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:

  • check your understanding of a benefit situation, decide the next steps when you are not happy with the response you’ve received from the DWP / HB Office.
  • to clarify or provide further information about a particular welfare benefit rule.
  • when you can’t find the answer to your particular query on the website.








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.




Scottish version of Adult DLA expected in early 2025

Added on 19th March 2024

The Scottish Government has announced that it plans to introduce Scottish Adult DLA for claimants who are already receiving DLA as an adult (i.e., they have not transferred onto PIP). These claimants will be able to transfer onto the Scottish version of the benefit automatically on a 'like-for-like' basis. The claimant could choose to claim Adult Disability Payment instead - some claimants could be better off on ADP. Click here to see the statement on Scottish Adult DLA.



Upper Tribunal decision on erosion of the Transitional SDP Element

Added on 18th March 2024

In this case, a woman who was receiving a Transitional SDP Element in her UC challenged the fact that it was 'eroded' when she moved out of 'specified' accommodation into general needs. Whilst in 'specified' accommodation, she received HB to help pay her rent so after moving out she had a Housing Costs Element added to her UC - which 'eroded' her TSDPE. The Upper Tribunal found that this was unlawful discrimination. We are developing an article on what this means for claimants. Click here for the UT decision on erosion.



Transfer to Scottish Carer Support Payment has started

Added on 15th March 2024

Claimants in Scotland who are receiving Carer's Allowance will start to be transferred to Carer Support Payment (the Scottish equivalent). New claimants in areas of Scotland will also be making claims for CSP rather than CA. The eligibility rules are broadly the same.





Sign up now and try us for free

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.

Free Trial

"I have worked in housing for over 30 years and this is the best benefits training I have ever had."
Lincolnshire Housing Partnership
“Your website is my 'bible'. I use your standard letters on a regular basis and find that decisions are nearly always revised in the tenant's favour." 
Onward

"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.."

Longhurst Group
"Using your website has made us massively more confident about challenging Universal Credit decisions.”
Riverside Housing
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