Welfare Reform Act 2012

The Welfare Reform Act 2012 received Royal Assent to become law on 8 March 2012.

The Act allows for:

• The introduction of Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment
• A one-year time limit on payment of contributory Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) for people in the work-related activity group
• Other changes to social security and tax credits, including a benefit cap; the localisation of Council Tax Benefit; new procedures for making an appeal.

Some of the provisions of the Act take effect immediately, but others will not begin until 2013 or even later. For more information, see our guide to changes to benefits and the benefits system.

Useful links:

• Read the text of the Welfare Reform Act 2012 (link opens in a new window)
• Department for Work and Pensions information on the Welfare Reform Act 2012 (link opens in a new window)
• Turn2us Ask an Expert: Benefit changes
• Scottish Parliament information on Welfare Reform in Scotland (link opens in a new window)
• Read the NI Direct Universal Credit information (link opens in a new window)

  See the NI Direct information on Welfare Reform and Changes to Benefits in Northern Ireland (link opens in a new window)

Last updated: 22 November 2012

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