Welfare and benefits forms the largest area of advice we deliver at Citizens Advice. This gives us some of the clearest insights into the way in which the system works and the challenges it poses.
Our research is focused on using our data and expertise to make the case for a system which is more responsive to the needs and circumstances of its users. This includes helping policymakers understand the impact of changes, working for better service design and highlighting the importance of robust advice and support.
Find out about all our welfare policy work.
17 January 2022
On April 1st 2022 under current plans, the energy price cap will increase by a predicted 57% to £2,000, bringing annual energy bills to a level we haven’t seen in many of our lifetimes. We’ve analysed the different policy options on the table and recommended four steps to deal with the challenge over the coming year.
07 January 2022
The cost of living crisis has been growing in scale and impact over the last six months, with inflation reaching historic levels and yet to peak. Citizens Advice has proposed an immediate support package to reduce pressure on energy consumers and boost incomes for those in need.
20 December 2021
Rigid rules on childcare in Universal Credit are making it harder for parents to enter work or increase their hours, and are forcing some parents to give up their job entirely
02 December 2021
‘How do I survive now?’ shows the widespread harm caused by the no recourse to public funds (NRPF) policy. It provides some ways in which the policy can be improved, but ultimately concludes that the best way to address the damage caused by the policy is to remove the condition from all those who are habitually resident in the UK.
09 June 2021
Universal Credit is facing its biggest challenge yet - to support record numbers of people into sustainable work. But without reform, the rules in Universal Credit risk creating barriers to work for some people. In this report, we outline 3 aspects of Universal Credit that need fixing to ensure an equitable recovery from this crisis.
17 December 2020
This briefing sets out our latest evidence and data on the impact of the No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) visa condition during the pandemic, focusing particularly on rent arrears and homelessness issues.
13 October 2020
In this report we show the impact of coronavirus on the finances of people we help with debt. We outline measures that the Government should take to avoid a national household debt crisis and support the UK’s longer-term economic recovery.
10 July 2020
Coronavirus has had a sudden and unprecedented impact on people’s jobs and incomes. Recent changes in the benefits system have eased some problems, but more needs to be done to make sure the right support is in place for all groups.
26 June 2020
‘Nowhere to turn’ looks at the ways in which the coronavirus pandemic has had an especially severe effect on migrants and their family members in the UK.
01 May 2020
Proposals for a transitional package of protections when the lockdown eases.
10 April 2020
The government has announced unprecedented interventions to ensure that most households in this country will be able to maintain a level of income during this crisis. However, in a fast changing situation, the data we are getting from our advisers suggests that further gaps in the existing package of support will need addressing.
18 March 2020
As the country turns its resources to responding to the Covid-19 pandemic it is crucial that households are protected from severe financial hardship. People need to receive a Crisis Minimum Income of at least £180 a week to have enough money to cover the bare essentials - so they can protect their own health and the health of others. We’ve set out how we have arrived at this number but also the key mechanisms and actions needed to deliver it. We have previously published a range of other measures giving wider protections to renters, support for those in debt and help to pay essential bills, which support this proposal.
16 March 2020
We’ve written a paper detailing proposals that we believe the Government should be considering to temporarily improve social protection capacity and regulation to strengthen our safety net and help smooth disruption to the economy that could follow from this crisis.
09 February 2020
In this briefing we detail what different options for uprating benefits would mean for the tens of thousands of benefit claimants we help who are struggling with debt.
01 September 2019
Our benefits system exists to provide a financial safety net for people. Yet many people on benefits are struggling to make ends meet and pay for essentials.
06 February 2019
Our research finds changes made by the government have made a difference for people waiting for their first Universal Credit payment - but lots of people are still struggling.
18 December 2018
This briefing sets out our key concerns with the proposed regulations governing managed migration.
25 October 2018
What Universal Credit means for single people who are disabled or have health conditions
18 October 2018
Our recommendations to help ensure managed migration onto Universal Credit works well for the 2.8 million people affected.
22 July 2018
While Universal Credit is working for the majority, there is a significant minority of people having problems - many of whom are in vulnerable situations and most in need of support.
