Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what guidance her Department has issued to staff on (a) contacting and (b) assessing benefits claims for (i) victims and (ii) survivors of domestic violence and economic abuse.

All staff have access to regularly reviewed guidance products which includes information on contacting and assessing benefit claims for victims and survivors of domestic and economic abuse.

For broader support, we will signpost claimants to gov.uk to enable them to get the help and advice they need.

The most relevant UC Guidance is attached (059. Domestic abuse-Guidance V28.0)

The relevant Working Age Operational Instructions are also attached (Domestic Abuse and Victims of domestic abuse).