Universal Credit claimants are set to receive a fortnights worth of money, thanks to the latest change of the controversial benefits system.
The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced claimants will receive a one-off lump payment - a move which the Work and Pensions Select Committee has said that the new payments “have been a long time coming”.
The payment is for those switching from one of the six benefits that Universal Credit is gradually replacing, the Daily Record reports.
If a person claims income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Income Support and switches or applies for Universal Credit, they will receive a payment worth up to two weeks of their legacy award.
According to Birmingham Live, From 22 July, thousands will receive the legacy benefits “run-on”, and impressively, the cash will be worth up to two weeks of their legacy benefit award, which could be between £118 and £149.
The cash will be paid automatically, the DWP added.
Chair of the committee and Labour MP for East Ham Stephen Timms said of the DWP’s announcement: “Like many desperately needed changes to Universal Credit, these new payments have been a long time coming – they were announced in the 2018 Budget.
“They are a welcome sign that the Government recognises that the five-week wait for a first payment of Universal Credit causes serious difficulties for people. The Committee’s inquiry into the wait has heard evidence, though, that they may not be enough. We’ll be making recommendations to the Government in the autumn once we’ve finished hearing evidence about the options for action.”
Citizens Advice chief executive Dame Gillian Guy said: “But millions of people who have lost their jobs as result of this crisis remain subject to the five-week wait.
"While advances are available, they have to be repaid, which can leave people with a choice of struggling now or struggling later.
“Turning advance payments into a grant would strengthen the safety net and make sure more people don’t face hardship or debt if they need support from Universal Credit."
