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.
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.
20 April 2018
Two short reports on the challenges facing working people moving onto Universal Credit and the ways these could be addressed
11 September 2017
Our evidence shows that the roll out of universal credit has an adverse impact on debt problems. DWP should pause roll out to fix the problems we have identified. Our analysis shows Universal Credit is pushing people further into debt. The Government needs to pause Universal Credit roll-out and fix the problems now.
06 July 2017
A report on the implementation of Universal Credit and the issues Citizens Advice is seeing so far.
11 August 2016
A collection of short reports highlighting the importance of income security
19 July 2016
Citizens Advice reports on the impact of welfare reform on working people
12 June 2016
Research based on polling that analysed insecurity in the labour market.
23 November 2015
Results of our online survey where we asked people how a drop in income would affect them and what changes they might make to try to adapt to it.
24 July 2015
A collection of reports assessing the Government's plans for further welfare reform
28 January 2015
There are debates and opinions about the right approach to welfare reform. But we see more of the successes, failures and human impacts of the welfare system than any other organisation.
27 January 2022
Results of the universal credit managing migration pilot. Three bureaux have been identifying what we can do to help clients develop their ability to get support and live independently.
