Universal Credit couple claimants might get ‘split’ funds

Couples in Scotland who obtain Universal Credit as a single cost might quickly be capable to get a ‘split’ cost.

Social Security Secretary for the devolved Scottish Government, Shirley-Anne Somerville, mentioned officers are making ready a coverage proposal to current to the DWP.

She mentioned in response to a written query: “Scottish Government officials are continuing to work closely with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to consider the feasibility of introducing split payments of Universal Credit.

“Officials expect to submit a formal policy proposal to DWP soon, for them to impact assess.”

A pair dwelling in the identical family normally get their Universal Credit cost as a single quantity.

In sure uncommon conditions, this may be divided between the 2 members of the couple, in a break up cost.

DWP steerage states: “Split payments are to prevent hardship to the claimant and their family and should only be considered in certain specific situations, such as domestic violence or where financial abuse occurs and one partner mismanages the Universal Credit payment.”

The DWP might organize a break up cost if both member of the family notifies the DWP of monetary mismanagement or home abuse.

A break up cost may additionally be organized if a member of the family can’t or is not going to finances for the household’s primary wants.

Ms Somerville additionally mentioned: “The managed migration of people on legacy benefits onto Universal Credit will form part of DWP’s impact assessment of the split payment policy, and the Scottish Government will consider any impacts in due course. We will then be able to update on the feasibility of the policy.”

People on legacy advantages are steadily being moved onto Universal Credit, with individuals in West Scotland receiving letters in regards to the change this month.

The migration discover letter invitations an individual to use for Universal Credit with a three-month deadline to place in a declare.

Universal Credit is changing these six advantages:

• Working Tax Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income Support
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Housing Benefit.

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