Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will extend the provisions of the Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) (SDP Gateway) Amendment Regulations 2019 to claimants in receipt of (a) disability premiums and (b) enhanced disability premiums.

The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions)(SDP Gateway) Amendment Regulations 2019 prevents legacy claimants who are in receipt of the Severe Disability Premium from moving to Universal Credit if they experience a change in circumstances, until they are moved by the Department. This ensures that these claimants will not be moved onto Universal Credit until transitional protections are available.

The SDP group has very specific characteristics including substantial care needs, with most having severe disabilities that would limit their ability to work quite significantly. They are also likely to see the greatest financial impact were they to move to Universal Credit following a change in their circumstances.

Universal Credit does not replicate the Severe Disability Premium and other disability premiums, which has allowed us to target additional support to a wider group and create a more streamlined system. The Universal Credit rate for the most severely disabled people, the limited capability for work and work related activity (LCWRA) addition is £328.32 per month, much higher than the equivalent rate for the Employment and Support Allowance support group which is £163.15 per month, and will result in many more people being better off on Universal Credit.

The draft Universal Credit (Managed Migration Pilot and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2019 provide for transitional protections for claimants who are moved onto Universal Credit by the Department, without experiencing a change in circumstances, ensuring no-one loses out at the point of transition.