DWP report uncovers widespread confusion among Universal Credit claimants

The Department for Work and Pensions has published a number of reports into the benefits system, with one saying that half of claimants were not "fully knowledgeable"

New studies published by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have unveiled significant confusion among Universal Credit recipients. The research indicates that half of those on Universal Credit are not "fully knowledgeable" about what could cause their payments to be halted or reduced.

Moreover, 24 percent of new claimants struggle with understanding how to get Universal Credit benefits and nearly one in five (19 percent) are in the dark about the consequences of failing to adhere to its rules. These findings mirror earlier research indicating that navigating the benefits system can be an arduous and complex task. A survey by charity Turn2Us found that two-thirds of UK adults consider determining eligibility for benefits to be "confusing", underscoring the system's complexity.

Liz Kendall, the work and pensions secretary, has mandated the release of 31 documents last week—including the report—to dissipate allegations that the previous Conservative government withheld them to dodge censure over its benefits policies.

Reflecting on the necessity for tailored support, Sumi Rabindrakumar, head of policy and research at food bank charity Trussell, commented, "This research shows how vital personalised support offers are – particularly for people with ongoing barriers to work."

"Trussell’s community of food banks hear every day from people too fearful to apply for support from our social security system, and who feel they cannot trust our social security and employment support systems to provide the compassionate, tailored support they need to afford the essentials and prepare for, enter and sustain work."

The DWP has also disclosed that knowledge about the universal credit childcare support offer is limited. The most common reasons parents gave for not claiming the childcare element of universal credit were uncertainty about their eligibility (19 percent), their childcare being covered by another government scheme (12 percent), and lack of awareness about the universal credit offer.

The report revealed misconceptions about universal credit, as well as the taper and work allowance. Some universal credit claimants believed that their payment would be reduced by 100 percent of their earnings. Understanding of support for individuals with a disability or health condition was also found to be low. The DWP report stated that claimants "did not understand how universal credit would interact with personal independence payments (PIP). This created a barrier to engaging with universal credit support, as claimants were worried about losing their other benefits."

Sumi Rabindrakumar, Research Director at Gingerbread, told the Big Issue: "With the UK government promising a new localised model of support, it must confirm in the spending review sufficient investment to ensure announced reforms deliver accessible and trusted support for people facing significant barriers to work – particularly disabled people and people with caring responsibilities."