Over the past year, the PIP and work capability assessments for ESA and UC have been taking place over the phone. Guidance has been updated on rolling face-to-face assessments out once again. These assessments affect people claiming PIP or having a work capability assessment (WCA) for ESA or Universal credit. The assessor will be wearing […]
One off £500 Payment for families in receipt of tax credits
If you are receiving working tax credits you should be eligible for a one off £500 payment. The temporary increase in tax credits ends on 5 April and this payment is to provide extra help when it does. HMRC will make the payment automatically so you do not have to do anything. You should receive […]
Time to end unfair tax on disabled people
The Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA) was delighted to hear about the successful High Court ruling against Norfolk County Council’s discriminatory charging policy, which forced adults with learning disabilities to pay more than they could reasonably afford towards the cost of their care. The ruling, which was brought about by the mother of a young person […]
Universal Credit Changes
Changes from 16 November – for those paid monthly Some of our members may be affected by the current rules if they are occasionally paid early because of ‘non-banking’ days. Earnings are usually reported through the real time information service (RTI). Getting paid on these days has resulted in two sets of wages going through […]
Green Homes Grant: make energy improvements to your home (England)
Check if you’re eligible for the Green Homes Grant scheme and see what improvements can be made to your home: www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-the-green-homes-grant-scheme The green home scheme launched by the government has gone live and applications can be made on the link above. The grant will award up-to £5,000 to cover 2/3rds of the cost for everyone […]
Blue Badge entitlement changes
Currently Those who received automatic entitlement to a blue badge because they were awarded DLA mobility under the SMI criteria, no longer automatically qualified for it once they moved to PIP because there was no criteria for behavioural issues. To qualify, people needed at least 8 points from the ‘moving around’ section. Many of our […]
Universal Credit and students
In order to be awarded Universal Credit (UC), a student must be assessed as having limited capability for work. Universal credit is means tested so if they have savings between £6,000-£16,000, it will affect the amount of UC received. The issue Previously for those claiming income related ESA, the fact that the student was in […]
