Sir Stephen Timms has issued a statement outlining the Department for Work and Pensions' (DWP) plans and options for supporting families financially.
Sir Stephen Timms has released a statement detailing the Department for Work and Pensions' strategies and proposals for providing financial assistance to families. His response addresses a recent inquiry from Mr Lee Dillon, the Liberal Democrat MP for Newbury, raised earlier this month.
Mr Dillon challenged the DWP regarding its intentions to support families' financial requirements, questioning both existing benefit qualification criteria and availability of childcare support. His inquiry comes following concerning statistics from Citizens Advice revealing that 860,000 children throughout England and Wales are residing in households that cannot afford basic necessities.
In his reply, Sir Stephen emphasised what he described as Universal Credit's adaptability. He also noted that the DWP had recently launched a new website featuring an eligibility assessment tool.
His statement, released yesterday, states: "Universal Credit is designed to be a flexible benefit which offers support for both those in and out of work. It provides an invaluable safety net for millions of customers through the standard allowance and additional elements.
"The government recognises the value of this safety net to millions of people and has therefore legislated for the first ever sustained above-inflation uplift to the UC standard allowance.", reports the Mirror.
Sir Stephen, Minister for Social Security and Disability, also added: "In September, we launched the Best Start in Life website for carers and parents, providing information on the government childcare offers available and an eligibility checker.
"Independent, free and anonymous benefit calculators are available to help people check what benefits they may be entitled to. The calculators can be accessed on the Government website.
What is Universal Credit?
Universal Credit is a DWP benefit designed to support individuals on modest earnings, those without employment, and people unable to work owing to personal situations. Whilst the sum you receive depends on various elements, the standard allowance for a single person aged 25 or above stands at £400.14 monthly.
As Sir Stephen outlined, residents throughout the UK can utilise the Government's benefits calculators to verify their Universal Credit eligibility and establish their potential entitlement. Nevertheless, generally speaking, claimants must:.
They must also be:.
Additional guidance at GOV.UK states: "Universal Credit is calculated based on your circumstances each month. These are called your 'assessment periods'. You'll usually get your Universal Credit payment seven days after each monthly assessment period ends.
"Changes in your circumstances can affect how much you're paid for your assessment period. You should report a change of circumstances to get the correct payment. Your first assessment period starts the day you make a claim."
Universal Credit is usually paid monthly, but some individuals in Scotland may receive it fortnightly. Residents of Scotland, England, and Wales can visit GOV.UK for more information on how to apply.
For those residing in Northern Ireland, they should visit Universal Credit Northern Ireland.