Universal credit (UC) claimants may be eligible for a £25 weekly payment boost, but only four specific groups can claim it. The boost is part of the government's plans to encourage employment, though the Turn2Us charity warns of a "drastic impact" on vulnerable people.
The £25 increase applies to those earning at or below the National Living Wage (£11.44 for those 21 and over) who are required to work a minimum of 18 hours per week, up from 15 hours as of 13 May. This change affects 180,000 people, according to the Department for Work and Pensions.
The four groups exempt from sanctions and thus eligible for the boost are: people with long-term sickness or disability preventing work, those with caring responsibilities, individuals with irregular incomes, and those who cannot work due to other exemptions. Claimants already face benefit reductions if they fail to meet with a work coach or take steps to increase earnings.
UC is a single benefit for working-age people, replacing older benefits. As of January, 6.4 million people in England, Scotland, and Wales claimed UC, with nearly 40% in work. The government aims to save £4bn a year through welfare changes, but Labour criticises the focus on sanctions rather than addressing NHS waiting lists.
