The key thing to bear in mind with regards to Universal Credit is, in addition to being more extensively means-tested than the benefits it replaces, like other means-tested benefits the means testing is real-time - the entitlement to benefit changing in line with changes to household circumstances.

Advisers would be well advised to review the wording of their recommendations and ensure that they mention that protection claim benefits paid at a future point may impact eligibility for means-tested welfare benefits. Limits and conditions applying can and do change.

The following welfare charities provide support and tools which advisers may find useful:

• Turn2Us at www.turn2us.org.uk
• Entitled To at www.entitledto.co.uk

Kevin Carr is chief executive of the Protection Review