UK DWP Help & Support Guides

If you disagree with a decision made by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), you have the right to challenge it by making an appeal. This can include decisions related to benefit claims, such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and Universal Credit (UC), among others. Making an appeal can be a complex process, but by following the steps outlined below, you can navigate through it successfully.

If you are receiving Universal Credit benefit and are required to look for work, you will have regular appointments with a work coach. The frequency of these appointments will depend on your individual circumstances and the requirements set out in your claimant commitment.

Bank holidays can affect opening hours, public transport and the date on which benefits or pensions arrive. This guide lists the official UK bank holiday dates for 2026 and 2027 and explains what normally happens when a benefit payment is due on one of these dates.

Income Support (IS) and (income-based) Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) are being permanently abolished as part of DWP's ongoing migration of legacy benefits to Universal Credit. This guide explains the timeline, who's affected, and what you need to do if you're still claiming either benefit.

The government has opened a consultation on changing how the Carer's Allowance earnings limit works, aiming to reduce the "cliff edge" effect that currently penalises carers who take on more paid work. This guide explains the current system, what might change, and how to have your say.

The DWP has introduced major new powers to recover money owed from benefit overpayments and debts. For the first time, the department can take repayments directly from bank accounts without needing a court order, and in more serious cases, debtors can be given driving bans. This guide explains what's changed and what to do if you're affected.

There are no bank holidays in July 2026, which means most DWP benefit payments should arrive on their normal scheduled day without the disruption that bank holiday months typically cause. This guide covers exact payment dates, what to do if your payment doesn't arrive, and the current benefit rates following April's uprating.

Finding that your Universal Credit payment has been suspended or delayed can be stressful, particularly if you rely on it to pay your rent, bills and everyday living costs. Many people immediately assume they have done something wrong, but there are several reasons why a Universal Credit claim or payment may be temporarily suspended.

In many cases, the issue can be resolved by providing additional information or completing an outstanding task.

Receiving a letter saying you've been overpaid benefits can come as a shock. Many people worry that they have done something wrong or wonder how they will repay the money.

An overpayment simply means the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) believes you have received more benefit than you were entitled to. Overpayments can happen for many different reasons and are not always the fault of the claimant.

Being invited to attend an Interview Under Caution by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) can be worrying. Unlike a routine Compliance Interview or claim review, an Interview Under Caution is part of a formal investigation into suspected benefit fraud.

Receiving an invitation does not automatically mean that you will be prosecuted or found to have committed an offence. However, it is a serious matter and it is important to understand why the interview has been arranged and what your rights are.