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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.
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.
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.
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