In the House of Commons Chamber on 9 March, during Department for Work and Pensions Questions, Stephen raised the upcoming Select Committee inquiry into the five-week wait in Universal Credit with Minister Will Quince.
Universal Credit has a “baked in” wait for the first payment. After completing all of the stages of their application, claimants must then wait for at least five weeks to receive their award.
A coalition of policy organisations and charities have concluded this five week wait should be reduced or eliminated, but exactly how is debated. The inquiry will hear from witnesses on the problems claimants experience during this wait, as well as what potential solutions might be.
Stephen said: “It’s now widely recognised that the lengthy wait for a first payment of Universal Credit is causing real difficulties for people—so it’s hugely welcome that the Minister is open to looking at how to fix it. The Committee wants to look carefully at all the possible solutions, and work out which are the most practical, affordable, and likely to make a meaningful difference to people’s lives.”
Individuals or organisations can submit evidence to the inquiry here.