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<p>The Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) (SDP Gateway) Amendment Regulations
2019 prevents legacy claimants who are in receipt of the Severe Disability Premium
from moving to Universal Credit if they experience a change in circumstances, until
they are moved by the Department. This ensures that these claimants will not be moved
onto Universal Credit until transitional protections are available, thereby safeguarding
their existing benefit entitlement.</p><p> </p><p>The Severe Disability Premium claimant
group has very specific characteristics including substantial care needs, with most
having severe disabilities that would limit their ability to work quite significantly.</p><p>
</p><p>The draft Universal Credit (Managed Migration Pilot and Miscellaneous Amendments)
Regulations 2019, which are currently before the House, provide for transitional protections
for claimants who are moved onto Universal Credit by the Department, without experiencing
a change in circumstances, ensuring no-one loses out at the point of transition.</p><p>
</p><p>Universal Credit does not replicate the Severe Disability Premium and other
disability premiums, which has allowed us to target additional support to a wider
group and create a more streamlined system.</p><p> </p><p>The right levels of support
to eligible Universal Credit claimants can be provided through two rates of payments,
reflecting the current ESA components. The Universal Credit rate for the most severely
disabled people, the limited capability for work and work related activity (LCWRA)
addition is £328.32 per month, much higher than the equivalent rate for the Employment
and Support Allowance support group which is £163.15 per month, and will result in
many more people being better off on Universal Credit.</p>
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