Co-production and participation: paying people who receive benefits

This updated briefing looks at benefit changes that can make it easier for service users and carers to get involved in paid participation for social care consultations and events. It includes details of changes to simplify the process secured through legislation in 2009 and further legislative changes in 2013 and 2014. The briefing outlines the levels of payment for involvement that people who use services can accept when in receipt of the following benefits: Incapacity Benefit or Employment Support Allowance; Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance or Pension Credit; Carer’s Allowance; and Universal Credit. It also explains the circumstances when repaid expenses are ignored by benefit rules. A list of further reading is included. [This publication was originally published as 'Reimbursements and payments for service user involvement' in 2011].