"The Handbook - known as the 'adviser's bible' - covers all the recent changes to welfare benefits, and those that are still in progress. It highlights tactical information on common problem areas and how to challenge decisions. This new edition includes the latest information on universal credit, personal independence payment, the 'bedroom tax' and benefit cap. It has updated information on the new claimant responsibilities and sanctions regime This annual Handbook provides the most comprehensive coverage available of all social security benefits and tax credits. The book is fully indexed and cross-referenced throughout to the relevant legislation. It covers England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Users include welfare rights advisers, lawyers, social workers, housing and benefits staff in local authorities, health visitors, union officials and claimants. The Handbook is supplied to all Citizens Advice Bureaux as part of their standard information package. Benefit rates and regulations are changed every April, which means that anyone needing reliable and up-to-date guidance will need to replace their old edition with this fully revised April 2018 edition. This Handbook is the only one to be published at the same time as the new benefit rates and regulations come into force - thus giving readers a full twelve months of usage." -- Provided by publisher.