Universal Credit

Thank you for contacting me about Universal Credit (UC) and financial hardship.
 
I am committed to having a strong safety net where people need it. There are many reasons why people use food banks. That is why the Department for Work and Pensions has committed to a test and learn approach to delivering UC and has made improvements where necessary, such as through removing seven waiting days and introducing 100 per cent advances.
 
Five week assessment period: All UC claimants are subject to an initial assessment period, regardless of the circumstances that have led to a claim. Assessment periods allow for UC awards to be adjusted on a monthly basis, ensuring that if a claimant's income falls, they do not have to wait several months for a rise in their UC award.
 
As of August 2018, 84 per cent of paid UC full service new claims were paid in full on time. When new claims are not paid on time, it is estimated that two-thirds have an outstanding verification issue, such as providing bank statements, evidence of childcare costs, or proof of rent.
 
I am glad that UC has been designed with accessibility in mind. Where a claimant requires assistance to complete the initial application process, support is available via the Universal Credit helpline, face to face in the Jobcentre or in exceptional circumstances through a home visit. If a claimant needs more intensive or specific support to make their claim, face-to-face and other help is available through the Universal Support Assisted Digital Service.
 
I also welcome advance payments which are worth up to 100 per cent of someone's indicative award and are available from the date of their claim. Around 60 per cent of eligible new claims to UC received an advance in October 2018. This shows that people are being made aware of advances and are getting help when they need it. I would add that if a claimant is in financial difficulty as a result of the level of deductions being made, they can request that a reduction be considered.
 
Claimants may also be entitled to a two week Universal Credit Transitional Housing Payment. Claimants on the income-related elements of Jobseeker's Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance, and Income Support will also receive an additional payment providing a fortnight's worth of support during their transition to UC. This will be effective from July 2020, and benefit around 1.1 million claimants.
 
Personal Budgeting Support: Personal Budgeting Support (PBS) is also offered to UC claimants from the outset of their claim. PBS helps claimants as they transition to UC and adapt to the financial changes that UC brings. PBS can be online, telephone or face to face support. Face to face support is currently delivered through local authorities via Universal Support.
 
I do realise that, despite this action, some people can fall into problem debt. That is why I support the implementation of the Breathing Space Scheme - a 60 day period of protection for people in problem debt, to engage with debt advice and find a sustainable, long-lasting plan to solve their debt problems.
 
I hope this helps to clarify the support available to people claiming UC when they struggle with financial difficulty, and I will continue to support improvements when necessary. 
 
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.