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<p>It is not possible to confirm exactly how many people in Wales became ineligible
for the Severe Disability Premium (SDP) following their move to Universal Credit due
to a change in circumstance. This is because each case must be individually assessed
to determine whether SDP eligibility would have continued following the end of their
claim to Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Jobseekers’ Allowance (JSA) or Income
Support (IS).</p><p> </p><p>Information on claimants of JSA and IS in receipt of SDP
who have moved to Universal Credit would incur disproportionate cost in response to
a Parliamentary Question.</p><p> </p><p>Since 16 January 2019 claimants who are in
receipt of SDP or who have been entitled to an award of an existing benefit that included
SDP in the previous month, and who have continued to meet the SDP eligibility conditions,
have been prevented from moving onto Universal Credit if they experience a change
in circumstances. Instead, these claimants will continue to claim legacy benefits
until DWP move them onto Universal Credit where transitional protection will be available,
thereby safeguarding their existing benefit entitlement.</p><p> </p><p>The Department
is considering the detail of the recent court judgment regarding SDP, and will make
a decision on their response in due course.</p>
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