Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to offer greater support to claimants of employment and support allowance in response to the rise in the cost of living.

The Government understands that people are concerned about pressure on household budgets and is taking action to help. Alongside the £9.1 billion Energy Bills Rebate announced on 3 February, it is providing £12 billion of support over this financial year and next to ease cost of living pressures, with help targeted at working families, low-income households and the most vulnerable.

The Government is making sure we continue to deliver the financial support that people need. Our spending on disability support is the second highest in the G7 – with a record £59 billion forecast to be spent this year (2021/2022), or 2.5% of GDP. This will increase by £3.5 billion to over £62 billion in 2022/23.

This year, the total amount that the Government spends on Employment and Support Allowance will increase by 3.1% from April 2022, in line with the Consumer Prices Index. This approach is fair to both benefit recipients and taxpayers.

Claimants receiving legacy benefits who believe they may be better off on Universal Credit should first refer to the independent benefits calculators on GOV.UK. They can also get help through the government funded Help to Claim scheme as well as Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland.

In addition, Personal Independence Payment is available to help with the extra costs faced by people with a long-term health condition or disability.