Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what criteria were used to determine individual need in setting the rate of jobseeker's allowance and the lower rate of employment and support allowance for a single adult at £73.10 per week.

The level of Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance awarded depends on the claimant’s individual circumstances. The main components of Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment Support Allowance are the personal allowances, paid according to age and family status.

In many cases the basic rate of Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment Support Allowance is just one element of the total package of support that a person receives, with additional flat rate premiums payable for groups recognised as having additional needs, such as disability.