Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if her Department will make an assessment of the impact of the five week wait for universal credit on the wellbeing of (a) women from marginalised backgrounds leaving prison and (b) all women leaving prison.

When claimants are paid Universal Credit is determined by the date of entitlement.

Where there is an immediate need for financial support, Universal Credit advances can be paid on the same day the claim is made, up to 100% of the estimated Universal Credit award during their first assessment period. This advance can then be repaid over a period of 24 months.

Advances are paid quickly, and prison leavers can apply for them online or by using the dedicated National Universal Credit phone line which gives quick access to the benefit system for those unable to claim online.