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Tribunal Service - Advice about appeals concerning couples (Joint Parties)

The Tribunal Service has recently written to councils, RSLs and other bodies, who employ welfare rights staff, pointing to a Representative’s briefing which explains some important procedural differences concerning Universal Credit appeals, involving joint claims from couples. The briefing points to the fact Universal Credit is claimed jointly by both parties,…

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People from abroad: what benefits can they claim?

Good morning, The House of Commons library has just published a briefing paper to help your understanding of state benefit & tax credit rules, relating to people who come to the UK from abroad. As the paper’s introduction suggests: “The rules on eligibility for benefits for people coming to the…

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Universal Credit - Numbers on new claims and areas affected.

Good morning, DWP has just published its latest set of statisitics on Universal Credit and have created an interactive map which allows you to key in your post code and establish whether your area is now “live” for claiming or approximately when you’ll be affected. Main Findings 1. 110,890 people…

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Universal Credit - DWP now paying compensation for APA mistakes!

Good afternoon, Two of my most recent bulletins explain: 1. DWP’s complaints process – http://universalcreditadvice.com/housing-associations/2015/09/universal-credit—complaints-process-explained 2. What to do when things go wrong – http://universalcreditadvice.com/housing-associations/2015/08/universal-credit-apas—what-to-do-when-dwp-get-it-wrong I encouraged you to challenge any Alternative Payment Arrangement (APA) request, which is: a) Refused unreasonably or without adequate reasons being given; or b) Payment of the…

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Universal Credit explained - Management & Members briefing

Good morning, As the roll-out of Universal Credit expands geographically and the “barriers to entry” slowly disolve, more and more of your tenants will become affected and need your assistance to understand the new scheme and make their claim. Not surprisingly, Housing Associations are anxious to secure a better understanding…

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