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<p>DWP is committed to doing all we can do support victims of domestic and economic
abuse, including giving split payments when requested, easements in benefit conditionality,
and referrals to local support.</p><p> </p><p>When an individual suffering from economic
abuse requests a split payment, the Department will make split payments available
to them. Whilst we are not intending to introduce split payments by default, we respond
positively to such requests.</p><p>Both members of a couple do not need to be present
to arrange a split payment and consent is not required from the other partner to authorise
a split payment. Claimants can request a split payment during a face to face meeting,
a phone call, or online via their journal and do not have to provide evidence of abuse
in order to be granted a split payment.</p><p>If a victim of abuse feels able to flee
their relationship, we can implement same-day advances to support them.</p><p>The
Department can take other actions to support those experiencing economic abuse, such
as making a managed payment of rent direct to landlords. We also ensure that claimants
who disclose abuse are signposted to specialist organisations for support. All work
coaches undergo mandatory training regarding how to support vulnerable claimants,
including recognising the signs of domestic abuse. We are also looking at what more
we can do to ensure that the main carer more often receives the Universal Credit payment
direct.</p>
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