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<p>The Government recognises the importance of supporting the welfare of claimants
who have incurred debt. We seek to balance recovery of debt against not causing hardship
for claimants and their families. Processes are in place to ensure deductions are
manageable, and customers can contact the DWP Debt Management Team if they are experiencing
financial hardship, to discuss a reduction in their rate of repayment, or a temporary
suspension, depending on their financial circumstances.</p><p> </p><p>Since April
2021, we have reduced the normal maximum rate of deductions in Universal Credit from
40% to 25% of a claimant’s Standard Allowance. These positive measures were put in
place to support claimants to manage financial difficulties.</p><p> </p><p>Advances
are a claimant’s benefit entitlement paid early, allowing claimants to access 100%
of their estimated Universal Credit payment upfront. They ensure nobody has to wait
for a payment in Universal Credit, and those who need it are able to receive financial
support as soon as possible. Claimants can receive up to 100% of their estimated Universal
Credit award if required, resulting in 25 payments over a 24-month period. This is
not a debt.</p><p> </p><p>The requested analysis of Universal Credit claims with a
deduction in February 2023 by parliamentary constituency in Great Britain (GB) is
provided in the separate spreadsheet.</p><p> </p><p>Data for February 2023 has been
provided in line with the latest available Universal Credit Household Statistics.</p>
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