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 five-week wait for the first payment of universal credit on the financial wellbeing of applicants who applied during the covid-19 outbreak.

Claimants in need of support do not have to wait 5 weeks for their first payment. New Claim Advances of up to 100% of a claimant’s indicative award are available if claimants need support during their first assessment period, and budgeting support is available for anyone who needs extra help.