Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what measures are in place to ensure that claimants can effectively challenge Universal Credit Reviews.

Universal Credit Claim Reviews (UCR) primary purpose is to identify any incorrectness in a Universal Credit (UC) claim and correct retrospectively. This includes both over and under payments and helps ensure the claimant is paid the right entitlement, that they keep their claim up to date and avoid falling into or accumulating further debt.

The claimant can contact their review agent via their online journal if they have any questions or concerns regarding and during the review.

If the claimant is unhappy with the service they have received during their review, they can make a formal complaint by following the DWP’s complaint process available on GOV.UK: Make a complaint about JSA or UC - DWP

Where the outcome of the review has led to a change in entitlement, a claimant can request a Mandatory Reconsideration (MR) to look at the decision again if they:

• think an error has been made or missed important evidence

• disagree with the reasons for the decision

• want to have the decision looked at again

Following the MR, the claimant can appeal the decision regarding their entitlement to benefits to HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS). Appeals are decided by the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal (SSCS). The tribunal is impartial and independent of government.