Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to engage with (1) disabled people, and (2) organisations representing disabled people about the accessibility needs of those undertaking managed migration as part of the move to Universal Credit.

We are working closely with stakeholders and other parties to design the best possible process for the migration of all of our customers, including those with disabilities, to Universal Credit. Our focus will be on safeguarding claimants and ensuring a smooth transition with uninterrupted support. We will have a comprehensive and well-supported preparation period for claimants.

This will include a variety of communication formats, including face-to-face, internet and postal notification, to ensure claimants are aware of the managed migration process. There is flexibility to extend that period if necessary for claimants; and a process to ensure that, before the existing benefits are stopped, our staff will check for evidence of complex needs or vulnerability or disability and act accordingly to support the claimant.

We have agreed to explore options for improving the process of consent in collaboration with the Social Security Advisory Committee’s to consider how current practices could be enhanced, and we will publish a report on our joint conclusions.