Welfare policy research

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.

Banking Benefits

27 January 2022

Citizens Advice evidence of payment of benefits into bank accounts

Pop goes the payslip

02 April 2014

At a time when living standards are stagnating, housing costs are rising and the jobs market is unpredictable the tax and benefits system must provide certainty and stability. Universal credit was designed to do this.The Government’s promise to make people better off for each hour they work is in danger of being broken.

Welfare reform and essential bills: mitigating the impact on people’s ability to pay

27 January 2022

Exploring the impact of welfare reform and the progress that utilities companies and other creditors have made to debt prevention and collection practices.

Unfair and underfunded

27 January 2022

CAB evidence on what's wrong with the Social Fund

Rebalancing universal credit: Making it work for disabled people

11 September 2014

This report focuses on support for disabled people under universal credit. Whilst we support the principles of universal credit, our analysis shows two important types of problems that will particularly affect disabled people; one relating to work incentives, the other concerning out of work support