Loss of severe disability premiums — update

Some women who lost severe disability premiums (SDPs) have been in touch with us since the judge ruled in favour of the two disabled men who lost severe disability premiums after they moved area and were made to change from ESA to Universal Credit (UC). It’s so frustrating that despite winning in court, other disabled … Read more

UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights

We submitted evidence to the UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, ahead of his visit to the UK in November.  This has now been published by the UN alongside other submissions. According to the Guardian newspaper, Philip Alston who is an ’eminent international human rights lawyer called for submissions from anyone in the UK to … Read more

UC challenges by mum of disabled daughter and ESA man found “fit for work”

More legal challenges to Universal Credit are on the way: by a man whose ESA was stopped when he was unfairly found “fit for work”; and by a single mother who lost her carer benefits as her daughter’s DLA did not continue smoothly. More information from the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) representing the claimants, is below. … Read more

Universal Credit — WV evidence to Social Security Advisory Committee

The Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) is a Committee of up to 15 people, some with a disability background.  It was set up by the government to advise on social security issues and to scrutinise benefit regulations.  They send a report to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.  Their report must be presented … Read more

Universal Credit claimants win compensation

Here is the press release from the legal team at Leigh Day: https://www.leighday.co.uk/News/News-2018/July-2018/Men-with-severe-disabilities-win-compensation-foll Men with severe disabilities win compensation following Universal Credit discrimination The Government has settled a case of unlawful discrimination against two men with severe disabilities who both saw their benefits dramatically reduced when they moved Local Authority and were required to claim … Read more

Vigil cancelled re: compensation for Universal Credit benefit cut claimants

VIGIL CANCELLED Our vigil is cancelled as we are told by the solicitor in the case that the hearing is likely not to go ahead due to developments. More news to follow as we get it. Monday 30 July 2018 High Court, Strand, London WC2A 2LL 10.30am:  Court case was listed in COURT 2, case … Read more

Claimants win legal challenge vs loss of disability premiums

WE WON! Today at the High Court, the judge ruled that claimants who lost severe disability premium when they moved to a Universal Credit (UC) area, were unlawfully discriminated against.   He further commented that the government recognised the need of this group (the DWP barrister had suggested the disabled men could get social care from … Read more

Legal challenge vs Universal Credit — judgement Thur 14 June

  This Thursday 14 June, at the High Court, Strand, London WC2A 2LL 9.30am: Support disabled claimants at the Joint vigil: Disabled People Against Cuts, Single Mothers’ Self-Defence, WinVisible, Rev Paul Nicolson (Taxpayers Against Poverty), Maggie Zolobajluk, and others. 10am: In court – the judge will announce his ruling.  Check court number here. On Thursday … Read more

Universal Credit disaster — disabled mums on Dispatches TV

In the programme, which also features the protests, disabled mums speak about their experiences of claiming Universal Credit.  Lorna Dunleavy was made suicidal by the in-built delays and underpayment.  Tracey lost her ESA severe disability premium after trying waged work for a time.  She was told to make a fresh claim for Universal Credit, despite … Read more

Universal Credit and domestic abuse — our evidence to MPs

We have just submitted WinVisible’s evidence to the Work and Pensions Committee of MPs on Universal Credit (UC) and domestic abuse, with input from Women Against Rape and Legal Action for Women.  The committee is scrutinising UC overall. They are now looking at how the single monthly payment of UC to the head of household, … Read more