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<p>During the last 6-month period ending January 2023, 94 Universal Credit claimants
had asked for their debts to be waived. Of these, 14 cases were fully waived and a
further 5 cases were partially waived.</p><p> </p><p>Whilst Universal Credit claimants
are not automatically informed of their option to seek a waiver, anyone who feels
they cannot afford the proposed rate of recovery is encouraged to contact the department
to discuss their situation.</p><p> </p><p>The DWP remains committed to working with
anyone who is struggling with their repayment terms, and has a well-established process
for working with individuals to support them to manage their debts.</p><p> </p><p>Our
agents will always look to negotiate affordable and sustainable repayment plans. This
includes working with individuals to review their financial circumstances. In most
instances, a temporary reduction in their rate of repayment can also be agreed. There
is no minimum amount that a claimant has to pay. Other options agents can consider
where appropriate is to suspend repayments or refer a case for consideration of waiver.</p><p>
</p><p>In addition, customers are routinely referred to the Money Advisor Network,
who work in partnership with the DWP, to offer free independent and impartial money
and debt advice. We also remain committed to His Majesty’s Treasury’s Beathing Space
policy, which provides those with problem debt the right to legal protections from
creditor action for a period of 60 days to enable them to receive debt advice and
enter into an appropriate debt solution.</p>
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