Universal Credit

Information on Universal Credit

A System at Breaking Point: The Truth About WCA Delays

News, Universal Credit /

Work Capability Assessment Backlogs Highlighted in Westminster Hall Debate A Westminster Hall debate on 4 March 2026 brought renewed attention to the significant delays affecting people awaiting Work Capability Assessments (WCAs), particularly those seeking reassessments rather than first-time decisions. The discussion was led by Wendy Chamberlain, MP for North East Fife, who pressed the UK […]

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UT Flags Major Errors in Right‑to‑Reside Assessment

Caselaw, News, Universal Credit /

Summary of the Decision Case: AR v SSWP (UC)Upper Tribunal Appeal Nos.: UA‑2025‑001172‑USTA & UA‑2025‑001189‑USTADecision: Appeal allowed; First‑tier Tribunal (FTT) decisions set asideNext step: Matter remitted to a new FTT for a full oral hearing Why the Upper Tribunal Allowed the Appeal The Upper Tribunal (UT) found material errors of law in the FTT’s handling

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UT Says Yes to Double Childcare Payments—What Advisers Need to Know

Caselaw, News, Universal Credit /

Adviser Summary – [2026] UKUT 58 (AAC) Judge: WikeleyDecision date: 5 February 2026Issue: Universal Credit – Childcare Costs Element (CCE)Case reference: UA‑2025‑000643‑UCC What the case was about The appeal dealt with how entitlement to the childcare costs element should be assessed when a claimant makes two childcare payments in the same Assessment Period (AP). The

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What’s Going On With DWP’s New Bank‑Account Check Powers?

News, Universal Credit /

The UK Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has raised concerns about new powers the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) now has. These powers relate to checking people’s bank accounts to help tackle benefit fraud and errors. Here’s what clients need to know. 1. What Powers Does DWP Now Have? Since December, the DWP can:

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Universal Credit: the “£4.35 Rule” and Savings Deductions

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Universal Credit: Advisers Warned About the “£4.35 Rule” and Savings Deductions Advisers are being urged to ensure Universal Credit claimants understand how savings and other factors can impact their benefit payments, particularly in light of the so-called “£4.35 rule.” What is the “£4.35 Rule”? · The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) applies a “tariff income”

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DWP waived recovery of approximately 0.0081% universal credit overpayments in 2024/2025

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Freedom of Information (FoI) request received on 9 September. Figures for the 2024/25 tax year Q1 · Number of new UC Overpayments entered on Debt Manager · Value of new UC Overpayments entered on Debt Manager  Q2 · Number of UC Overpayments waived  · Value of UC Overpayments waived DWP Response In response to Q1:  · Number of new UC Overpayments entered on Debt Manager – 1,174,119  · Value of new UC Overpayments entered on Debt Manager  – 1,346,735,271.03  In response to Q2:  · Number of UC Overpayments waived –

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