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<p /> <p>I refer the Rt. Hon. Member to the oral answer given to him by the Secretary
of State for Work and Pensions, Official Report, 8 December 2014, column 633. The
Secretary of State set out how the department will be doing more to raise awareness
of Short Term Benefit Advances (STBAs). This will include providing more information
to claimants about STBAs online and in Jobcentres. Staff guidance on STBAs will also
be updated and staff reminded of the process for considering an STBA.</p><p>The department
has already made improvements to the hardship process. In July 2014 we strengthened
guidance for work coaches so that all claimants are informed about how and when they
can make an application for hardship payment and processing times have also been improved.</p>
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