Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the effect of the proposed rates of transitional payments for universal credit on the financial situation of individuals receiving severe disability premium; and if she will make a statement.

As outlined in the Explanatory Memorandum submitted to Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC), the £80 per month flat rate payment is an additional transitional payment to support people who have a disability and who live alone.

In setting the rate for this additional payment, we have had regard to the rates of Severe Disability Premium, and also have taken into account whether the claimant receives additional support due to having limited capability to undertake work related activity, because the level of support for these claimants is set higher than the equivalent level under Employment and Support Allowance.