Universal Credit

(asked on 4th January 2019) - View Source

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will ensure that claimants who have been migrated to universal credit are provided with a detailed explanation of the legal basis for the deductions made to their benefits.


Answered by
Alok Sharma Portrait
Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
This question was answered on 20th February 2019

Universal Credit claimants receive a breakdown of how their award is calculated, including any deductions, in their monthly statement. These deductions which can include recovery of advances or overpayments, third party deductions, certain other benefit payments and other income such as occupational pension income are input in accordance with social security legislation (this list is not exhaustive).

If required we can provide an explanation by telephone, face to face, through the claimant’s online journal or by letter. A claimant can also ask for a reconsideration, or in some circumstances (if a debt deduction) can have an affordability discussion with debt management about the deductions from their award, and ultimately appeal to HM Courts and Tribunals Service if they are not satisfied with the outcome. However, not all deductions can be reduced or amended due to the legislation that is set in place (i.e. court fines, utility deductions, Child Maintenance Group).

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