Welfare Benefits is a straightforward, up-to-date and practical introduction to this rapidly changing and complex area of law.

The book examines the social security system in England and Wales, together with the complex legislation that has developed piecemeal over a long period of time. It explains the major forms of benefit that are available and sets out how entitlement to each one is assessed. Readers are guided as to how to identify entitlement to a whole range of benefits through developing the skill of ‘claimant profiling’. There is a list of useful websites and resources, regular summaries of key points and numerous worked examples. At the end of each chapter, a profile of a typical recipient of each benefit is given. Calculations of means-tested benefits are set out clearly with detailed explanations.

This new edition has been radically reorganised with each chapter focusing on the key points of one or a number of common benefits. Additional worked examples and several new flow diagrams and charts have been included. The text has been updated to take account of developments over the last year, particularly as to contributory and income-related employment and support allowance; home responsibility protection, national insurance requirements and credits; the mobility component of disability living allowance; the health in pregnancy grant; pensionable age for men and women; the child trust fund; assistance with mortgage interest payments; and appeals to a Tribunal.

Contents

Welfare Benefits
Introduction to Welfare Benefits
Introduction to Non Means-tested Benefits
Jobseeker’s Allowance
Limited Capability for Work
Disability Benefits
Maternity Benefits
Child Benefit
Carer’s Allowance
Retirement Benefits
Bereavement Benefits
Introduction to the Means-tested Benefits
Income Support, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance and Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Housing Benefit
Council Tax Benefit
The Tax Credits
Immigration Tests for Welfare Benefits
Appendices