Couples in Scotland who receive Universal Credit as a single payment may soon be able to get a ‘split’ payment.
Social Security Secretary for the devolved Scottish Government, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said officials are preparing a policy proposal to present to the DWP.
She said in response to a written question: “Scottish Government officials are continuing to work closely with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to consider the feasibility of introducing split payments of Universal Credit.
“Officials expect to submit a formal policy proposal to DWP soon, for them to impact assess.”
A couple living in the same household usually get their Universal Credit payment as a single amount.
In certain rare situations, this can be divided between the two members of the couple, in a split payment.
DWP guidance states: “Split payments are to prevent hardship to the claimant and their family and should only be considered in certain specific situations, such as domestic violence or where financial abuse occurs and one partner mismanages the Universal Credit payment.”
The DWP may arrange a split payment if either member of the household notifies the DWP of financial mismanagement or domestic abuse.
A split payment may also be arranged if a member of the household cannot or will not budget for the family’s basic needs.
Ms Somerville also said: “The managed migration of people on legacy benefits onto Universal Credit will form part of DWP’s impact assessment of the split payment policy, and the Scottish Government will consider any impacts in due course. We will then be able to update on the feasibility of the policy.”
People on legacy benefits are gradually being moved onto Universal Credit, with people in West Scotland receiving letters about the change this month.
The migration notice letter invites a person to apply for Universal Credit with a three-month deadline to put in a claim.
Universal Credit is replacing these six benefits:
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Housing Benefit.
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