Subjects:

Social Security and Welfare Law, Immigration and Nationality Law, Legal Manuals

Welfare Benefits and Immigration Law is a straightforward, up-to-date and practical introduction to these two rapidly changing areas of law.

Part I examines the social security system in England and Wales, together with the complex legislation that has developed piecemeal over a long period of time. It explains the major forms of benefit available, sets out how entitlement to each one is assessed and highlights the routes of appeal against any decision. There is a list of useful websites and summaries of key points.

This new edition includes coverage of many important developments including the Court of Appeal case of Abdirahman and Ullusow v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions [2007] EWCA Civ 657 concerning benefit claims by EEA nationals. It also details two significant changes that are on the horizon. First, in autumn 2008, the Government proposes that, for new claimants, employment and support allowance will replace both incapacity benefit as well as income support paid on the grounds of incapacity. Also, from April 2009 (but in some areas before that), housing benefit for tenants of private landlords will be calculated and paid by local authorities under a new scheme known as local housing allowance. It will be based on local rents.

Part II of the book sets out the provisions of British nationality law and looks in detail at the system of immigration control. It explains the basic concepts involved, such as right of abode, asylum and deportation. It then outlines the procedures involved in appeals against decisions, including the use of judicial review.