Do you want to live in a society with a just, efficient welfare benefit system that supports those who need it, when they need it most? So does Citizens Advice. The Fair Welfare campaign is calling for a welfare benefits and tax credits system which:

• acts as a safety net to prevent anyone in the UK living in poverty
• is transparent and flexible, so that everyone can understand what they’re entitled to and how to claim it
• features good decision-making and administration to ensure people get the money they’re entitled to quickly and efficiently
• supports people to move into appropriate work, and makes work pay
• ensures more people receive the benefits and tax credits to which they are entitled
• provides housing benefit that helps give everyone access to affordable, secure homes
• allows for the write-off of old tax credit overpayment debt
• has a social fund that is accessible to all who need it.

How you can help

This is an ambitious vision, so we’re breaking it down into stages. Right now, we need your help to call for improvements to Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - a benefit for those who are ill or disabled.

There are three ways you can help campaign for improvements to ESA:

• If you are in the process of applying for ESA, or are about to apply, and have not yet had a work capability assessment, you can help us by taking part in a survey to assess the accuracy of your medical report.

• The Comprehensive Spending Review announced that from April 2012 there will be a 12-month limit on contribution based ESA for those in the work-related activity group. If you think you may be affected by this cut, tell us your story, by completing a short, anonymous survey.

• If you have experienced any problems with ESA, or if you are worried about proposed changes to the benefit, you can help us to inform MPs by sending your local MP a letter to explain your situation.

For more information about the campaign, please email the Citizens Advice campaigns team.

You can find out more on our work on ESA and other welfare benefits in our publications section.

• The Coalition Budget and CSR - An analysis of key welfare changes and their impact on low income households
• Failed by the system - Why the Employment and Support Allowance isn't working for people living with cancer.
• Not working - CAB evidence on ESA work capapbility assessment.
• Limited Capability - CAB evidence on the first year of employment and support allowance administration.

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