Constituency casework: Social security

A significant proportion of the enquiries members receive from constituents concern claims for social security benefits. Many of these are straightforward and can be answered using information readily available on the internet or in standard publications. Some enquiries – for example where the constituent is seeking legal advice for a benefit appeal, or precise details of their own entitlements – can however raise more difficult issues. In some cases it may be more appropriate to refer a constituent to a specialist advice agency, or to a solicitor.

This note gives a very brief introduction to the benefits system and looks at the avenues available to people to challenge benefits decisions, or to pursue more general complaints. It also outlines various sources of information which members and their staff may find helpful when dealing with enquiries from constituents about social security matters, and gives more general advice on handling such enquiries.

Over the next few years there will be major changes to the benefits system, both as a result of reforms begun by the Labour Government, and as policies announced by the current Government are implemented. In particular, the Welfare Reform Act 2012 provides for a new benefit – Universal Credit – to replace means-tested benefits and tax credits for working-age families; and for the Personal Independence Payment, which will replace Disability Living Allowance for people of working age.

The note deals with mainly with the situation in Great Britain. A separate social security system exists in Northern Ireland which closely mirrors that in Great Britain.