Various guidance materials
Our monthly Benefitscast features three of our benefits experts discussing the latest benefits news stories including changes to legislation, DWP announcments, relevant case law and guidance. There are links to the sources of the items discussed, and some that aren’t discussed if we think they might help. In this month’s Benefitscast David, Will and Sarah […]
From 6 April 2026, major changes apply to the Limited Capability for Work and Work‑Related Activity (LCWRA) element of Universal Credit, following the Universal Credit Act 2025 and the UC and ESA (Rates of Allowances) (Amendment) Regulations 2026. DWP guidance is set out in ADM Memo 04/26. Two LCWRA rates now apply LCWRA is no
Universal Credit: LCWRA Changes from April 2026 Read More »
“Right to Try” now in law – key changes for disabled benefit claimants New legislation laid in April 2026 removes significant barriers for disabled people and those with health conditions who want to try work or volunteering without fear of immediate benefit loss. The changes are brought in by The Social Security (Restrictions on Amounts
Trying Work Just Got Safer: What Advisers Need to Know Read More »
Universal Credit & Earnings: Quick Adviser Update Universal Credit (UC) continues to fluctuate for working claimants because awards are calculated using monthly assessment periods and earnings actually received in each period. UC does not average income, meaning irregular or early pay can still cause sharp changes to entitlement. Key rules at a glance Administrative Earnings
UC, Earnings and AET: What’s Changing for Working Claimants Read More »
State Pension age change: what advisers need to know (from April 2026) From 6 April 2026, the UK State Pension age (SPA) is rising from 66 to 67. This is a planned and legislated change, but it is now live and beginning to affect clients approaching retirement. What is changing? Who is affected? A client
State Pension age change Read More »
Who counts as a pre‑2026 claimant and keeps the higher LCWRA rate? The article explains that LCWRA is being split into a higher and lower rate from 6 April 2026, with only certain claimants protected at the higher rate. To qualify as a pre‑2026 claimant, a person must be linked to LCWRA entitlement before 6
Who Keeps the Higher LCWRA Rate After April 2026? Read More »
This ADM memo provides guidance on the Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Act 2026, which comes into force on 6 April 2026. It explains how the change affects entitlement to the Universal Credit child element (CE) and how decision makers should apply the new rules. Since 6 April 2017, Universal Credit has generally
DWP guidance on the removal of the two-child limit Read More »
The UK Government has taken a significant step in completing the transition to Universal Credit (UC) with the introduction of SI 2025/1148, formally titled The Welfare Reform Act 2012 (Commencement No. 35) (Abolition of Benefits) Order 2025. This statutory instrument, made on 29 October 2025, sets out the timetable for abolishing remaining legacy benefits and
Legacy Benefits to End: Key Dates and What Advisers Need to Know Read More »
Effective Date: 2 December 2025Reference: DMG Memo 15/25 What’s Changed? The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued updated guidance following the implementation of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025 (BSAI Act). This simplifies decision-making for advisers handling claims from EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals. Key Points Benefits Affected Why This Matters
Adviser Update: New Guidance on EU Settlement Scheme and Benefit Entitlement Read More »
