6 h. ago DWP reviewing new and existing Universal Credit claims for ‘incorrect payments’

DWP has blocked £1 billion incorrect payments in a drive to protect people from falling into debt.

Politics

1 week ago DWP warns people they could face fines or court if they don't report these 16 things

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has certain rules for those who claim universal credit, particularly around changes in circumstances

Events

1 week ago Couple claimed Universal Credit despite owning second home worth £170,000

A judge told the couple that 'stealing from the state is not an insignificant matter'

Economics

2 w. ago The Guardian view on child poverty: free school meals are a help, but not a panacea | Editorial

Giving lunch to more pupils is a good move – but poor nutrition points to deeper problems that ministers must faceIt was Ellen Wilkinson, education minister in the Attlee government, who announced in 1946 that free school dinners would be introduced, along with free school milk, at the same time as child benefit. No doubt Rachel Reeves, who has a picture of Wilkinson on the wall of her office, is aware of this – and also that the Treasury subsequently decided the policy was unaffordable. The meals were subsidised instead.Despite these initial charges, and later price rises, poorer children did gain, and keep, an entitlement to free school meals. The announcement last week that this is being extended in England to all those whose parents or carers claim universal credit – rather than restricted to families with incomes lower than £7,400 – should be welcomed by all objectors to child poverty. Being assured of a hot lunch in the middle of the school day makes pupils’ lives be...

Politics

2 w. ago DWP text warning for PIP and Universal Credit claimants among potential targets

Millions of benefit claimants could be at risk of being targeted by malicious actors among a new warning from the DWP

Events

2 w. ago DWP cuts could strip £100 weekly from thousands of Universal Credit claimants

The Department for Work and Pensions has launched a consultation on the new Green Paper

Economics

2 w. ago Handing free school meals to all children from households that claim Universal Credit WON'T drag 100,000 out of poverty next year, says IFS

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has announced that every pupil whose household is on Universal Credit will soon have an entitlement to free school meals.

Society

2 w. ago DWP proposals could see thousands of Universal Credit claimants lose almost £100 a week

The Government is consulting on plans to remove access to the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity element of Universal Credit

Economics

2 w. ago More than one in four pupils in England now eligible for free school meals

The figures come as the Government announced plans to expand free lunches to all pupils in families that claim universal credit from September 2026.

Politics

3 w. ago People on Universal Credit with health issues could be due up to £1,130 every month

Disability benefits such as PIP or ADP do not count towards the benefit cap.

Economics

3 w. ago DWP to carry out new checks on Universal Credit claimants with more than £6,000 in bank account

Anyone claiming Universal Credit with between £6,000 and £16,000 in their bank will start to get reduced benefit payments under Labour's new plans

Economics

3 w. ago Millions of Universal Credit claimants set for bigger payments from this week

The annual uprating to benefits took place on April 7 with Universal Credit payments increasing by 1.7% - however, the higher rates only apply to Universal Credit assessment periods that started on or after that date

Economics

3 w. ago Crucial Universal Credit payment dates when you'll finally see DWP benefit rise

The DWP has increased the amount it pays to Universal Credit claimants each month, but when you see the increase will depend on the date of your assessment period

Politics

4 w. ago New DWP warning to people making a new claim for Universal Credit

Some 7.5 million people are currently receiving extra financial support through Universal Credit.

Events