Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what support is available to people claiming universal credit for the first time to help ensure that they receive their first payment (a) on time and (b) in full.

The Department has ensured high levels of payment timeliness with over 90% of new claims paid in full and on time as of October 2020; an increase from 88% in March 2020.

People receive support quickly, through the Universal Credit helpline and online. Additionally, we have provided funding to Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland, to deliver tailored and practical support to people making a claim to Universal Credit and receive their first full correct payment on time. This support has been bolstered by the announcement of a further 12 months of funding this year for Help to Claim.