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<p>It is not yet possible to produce reliable estimates of the overall number or proportion
of UC claimants who are currently serving in the Armed Forces or who have served in
the past.</p><p> </p><p>The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) started collecting
data on the Armed Forces status of Universal Credit (UC) claimants in Great Britain
(GB) in April 2021. At first only new claimants were asked about their Armed Forces
status. From June 2021 onwards, other UC claimants reporting changes in their work
and earnings have also been able to report their status. From July 2021 onwards, UC
agents have also been able to record claimants’ Armed Forces status if they are told
about this via other means such as journal messages, face-to-face meetings or by telephone.</p><p>
</p><p>Therefore, data on Armed Forces status has only been recorded for a proportion
of the UC claimants.</p><p> </p><p>In addition, it should be noted that Armed forces
status is self-reported by claimants and is not verified by the Ministry of Defence
or Office for Veterans’ Affairs. A claimant’s status can be recorded as “currently
serving”, “served in the past”, “not served” or “prefer not to say”.</p>
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