| answer text |
<p>We have introduced a number of measures to support and reduce the number of claimants
facing financial difficulties.</p><p>We are investing up to £200 million into budgeting
and digital support, to help claimants with the transition to Universal Credit and
our work coaches work closely with claimants, ensuring they can identify any vulnerabilities
or specific needs, such as financial difficulties, at an early stage. We have also
invested £1.5 billion in a package of measures to support claimants financially in
the first assessment period.</p><p>From 3 January, claimants have been getting advances
of up to 100 per cent of their indicative monthly entitlement within a few days. From
14 February, waiting days were removed, and from 11 April, claimants transitioning
to Universal Credit from Housing Benefit have been getting an additional 2 weeks of
housing cost payments.</p><p>In June, we announced additional protection for people
who receive Severe Disability Premium – they will stay on legacy benefits until Transitional
Protection applies and we will introduce protection for those who have already moved
on to Universal Credit.</p>
|
|
