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<p>The Department’s rollout of Universal Credit Full Service is going to plan and
is due to complete nationally in December 2018. As of the end of July 2018 we will
have completed 65% of this programme, with nearly 400,000 new claimants added onto
the system since August 2017. Where amendments to the rollout schedule have been announced
(as on 22 March in Written Statement HCWS577, or following the November 2017 Budget),
these reflect local considerations and discussions, or policy changes to Universal
Credit.</p><p> </p><p>The policy changes announced following the November 2017 Budget,
included:</p><p> </p><ul><li>from 3 January, increasing the repayment period of Universal
Credit advances to 12 months, with claimants able to get up to 100 per cent of their
estimated monthly entitlement upfront. These advances are available to claimants interest-free,
and from July 2018, can be applied for online.</li></ul><ul><li>from 14 February,
removing the seven-day waiting period that some claimants had at the start of their
Universal Credit claim.</li></ul><ul><li>from 11 April, providing an additional payment
for claimants already receiving support towards their housing costs of two weeks of
their Housing Benefit to support them as they transfer onto Universal Credit. Claimants
will not be required to repay this money.</li></ul><p> </p><p>Universal Credit is
continuously improved in line with our test and learn approach and DWP continues to
work closely with landlords, local authorities and other organisations to ensure claimants
are supported throughout the assessment process. The Department provides funding for
local authorities and other partner organisations to help claimants with the transition
to Universal Credit through Universal Support. This is help for those who need assistance
to manage their claim online and/or help with budgeting in order to manage their monthly
payments and prioritise essential bills such as rent and utilities. Further information
can be accessed at <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-support"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-support</a>.</p><p>
</p><p>In common with other DWP benefits, in cases where a customer is affected by
Departmental error, we can also consider awarding an ex-gratia payment, as set out
in the guide on Financial Redress for Maladministration.</p>
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