Overview

This bill aims to improve the Universal Credit system in the UK by streamlining the application process, offering more payment options, and providing better support for claimants, particularly those with terminal illnesses. It also clarifies who can assist claimants with their applications.

Description

The Universal Credit (Application, Advice and Assistance) Bill makes several key changes:

Application Process

The bill mandates that initial Universal Credit payments must be made within one month of application, unless exceptional circumstances prevent this (affecting no more than 1% of applications). For those with terminal illnesses (defined as a reasonable probability of death within 6 months by a relevant medical practitioner), the application process will be expedited, with payments made within two weeks of providing a medical report, and they'll be exempt from work-related requirements.

Payment Options

Claimants will be provided with clear information on all available payment options, including bimonthly or monthly direct payments, or monthly payments split between the claimant and their landlord (for housing costs). For joint claimants, payments can be split unless they opt otherwise in writing.

Assistance with Applications

Members of Parliament and certain other individuals or advisory bodies (to be specified by regulations) will be granted implicit consent to assist claimants with their applications without needing explicit consent from the claimant.

Equality Impact Assessment

The Secretary of State is required to conduct an equality impact assessment of the changes brought about by this bill within three months of its passage.

Government Spending

The bill states that any expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State under this Act, and any increases in sums payable under other Acts attributable to this Act, will be paid out of money provided by Parliament. Specific figures are not provided in the bill text itself.

Groups Affected

• Universal Credit Claimants: The bill aims to improve the application process and payment options for all claimants, with particular benefits for those with terminal illnesses.
• Landlords: The option for split payments may affect landlords receiving housing payments directly.
• Medical Practitioners: They will play a role in certifying terminal illnesses for expedited applications.
• Members of Parliament & other designated individuals/bodies: They are granted implicit consent to help claimants with their applications.
• Government: The bill will likely increase government spending, although the exact amounts are not specified.

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