Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many claimants of (a) legacy benefits, (b) personal independence payment and (c) universal credit in the Garston and Halewood constituency have been given an advance benefit payment to cover a delay in the receipt of their benefit instalments in the last 12 months.

Advances are available in legacy benefits and Universal Credit to help claimants ahead of their first benefit payment. The number of advances made for claimants in the Garston and Halewood constituency is not readily available and can only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Our latest internal management information data as of July 2018 shows that, nationally, over 60% of new claims currently receive either a ‘New Claim’ or ‘Benefit Transfer’ advance which shows claimants are getting the support they need.

There is no provision for advance payments when applying for Personal Independence Payment, as entitlement has to be established first.