Benefits and Welfare Legislation

Legislative framework for social security, welfare benefits, universal credit, pension schemes, and support systems for vulnerable populations.

The Pensions Increase (Review) Order 2025

Published: Fri 14th Mar 25

The order increased the annual rate and lump sums of several types of UK public service pensions effective April 7, 2025, with adjustments made for guaranteed minimum pensions.


The Pensions Increase (Review) Order 2025, effective April 7, 2025, increases the annual rate of public service pensions.

For pensions starting before April 8, 2024, the increase is 1.7%.

For pensions starting on or after that date, the increase is 1.7% multiplied by a fraction representing the months between the pension's start date and April 7, 2025.

Similar increases apply to lump sums.

The order outlines adjustments for guaranteed minimum pensions, reducing the increase based on their rate of payment.

Read More

The Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation Scheme) (Amendment) Order 2025

The 2025 Order amended the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces Compensation Scheme, increasing certain payments and adding a new injury descriptor.


This Order amends the 2011 Armed Forces and Reserve Forces Compensation Scheme.

It increases the weekly armed forces independence payment to £187.45 and the Motability payment to £77.05.

Additionally, it adds a new descriptor to Schedule 3, covering overuse injuries of the larynx requiring operative treatment, making a temporary award permanent.

Read More

The Guardian’s Allowance Up-rating Regulations 2025

Published: Thu 13th Mar 25

These regulations updated Guardian's Allowance rates, clarified exceptions to these updates, and specified the application of existing legislation for those not ordinarily resident in the UK.


The Guardian's Allowance Up-rating Regulations 2025, effective April 7, 2025, detail adjustments to Guardian's Allowance rates based on the Child Benefit and Guardian's Allowance Up-rating Order 2025.

The regulations clarify how these changes apply, addressing situations concerning questions about payment rates and those not ordinarily resident in Great Britain or Northern Ireland.

They specify that existing legislation concerning the determination of benefit rates and the treatment of those residing abroad applies to these adjustments.

Read More

The Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme (Amendment) Order 2025

The 2025 Order amended the 1983 Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme by updating the rates of pensions and allowances for disablement and death.


The Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme (Amendment) Order 2025, effective April 7th, 2025, updates the rates of pensions and allowances payable under the 1983 Scheme to civilians injured or killed during World War II. The amendment replaces the tables in Schedules 3 and 4 outlining these rates, adjusting them to current values.

The order applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Read More

The Statutory Maternity Pay (Compensation of Employers) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

The 2025 regulations amended existing statutory maternity pay regulations to increase the additional payment to small employers from 3.0% to 8.5% of statutory maternity pay.


These regulations, effective April 6th, 2025, amend the 1994 Statutory Maternity Pay regulations concerning compensation for small employers.

They increase the additional payment small employers receive from 3% to 8.5% of statutory maternity pay.

This change applies across the UK, with specific provisions for Northern Ireland.

The amendment is based on a pre-determined formula and is projected to have minimal impact on the private, voluntary, or community sectors.

Read More

The Inspectors of Education, Children’s Services and Skills Order 2025

The Order appointed several individuals as His Majesty's Inspectors of Education, Children's Services, and Skills.


The Inspectors of Education, Children’s Services and Skills Order 2025, effective March 13, 2025, appoints several individuals as His Majesty’s Inspectors of Education, Children’s Services and Skills.

The appointments are made under the authority of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 and aim to maintain standards within these crucial sectors.

Read More

The Statutory Neonatal Care Pay (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2025

The Statutory Neonatal Care Pay (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2025 amended several existing regulations to include statutory neonatal care pay.


These regulations amend existing UK legislation to incorporate statutory neonatal care pay, as introduced by the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023.

The amendments update the Statutory Payment Schemes (Electronic Communications) Regulations 2002 and Income Tax legislation (Pay As You Earn Regulations 2003 and Construction Industry Scheme Regulations 2005) to include references and administrative processes related to this new parental benefit.

The changes streamline administration and ensure consistent legal treatment of statutory neonatal care pay.

Read More

The Help-to-Save Accounts Regulations 2025

The 2025 regulations amended the 2018 Help-to-Save Accounts Regulations by adjusting eligibility criteria for Universal Credit claimants and removing a reference to the national living wage.


The Help-To-Save Accounts Regulations 2025 amend the 2018 regulations governing Help-to-Save accounts.

Key changes include lowering the minimum earned income requirement for Universal Credit claimants to £1 and removing the reference to the national living wage in eligibility criteria.

The amendments aim to simplify eligibility and broaden access to the savings scheme for low-income individuals.

Read More