Single mums on Universal Credit could jump the queue and get extra handouts, Amber Rudd says
The new Work and Pensions boss says she would review the five-week wait in a sure sign that more changes are on the way
SINGLE Mums are set to get more help from Universal Credit, Amber Rudd has said.
The new Work and Pensions boss says she would review the five-week wait, payments for housing, and repayment of loans in a sure sign that more changes are on the way.
But she said she wanted to focus on the impacts on "particularly single mothers".
In an interview with Sky News she said: "I'm going to specifically look at how Universal Credit impacts women... I'm going to make sure that if we need to make changes to support them then we will."
Research has shown that single mums and women generally are some of the hardest hit by the Universal Credit and welfare system.
The flagship policy, which is set to roll six benefits into one, has been beset with issues, but the new DWP boss has vowed to "fix" them.
She insisted that the system was a "force for good" but admitted there were "real problems" that needed to be dealt with.
Millions more Brits are set to go onto the new system in the coming months, as ministers transfer people from the old to the new system.
Yesterday MPs demanded it be put back while ministers fix the problems with the scheme as it stands.
Influential politicians on the Work and Pensions Committee demanded extra payments for those transferring over, a scrapping of the five week wait for people already on benefits, and moves to try and transfer vulnerable people over automatically.
Ms Rudd said she wanted to make sure "women are protected" and have access to split payments if they are in domestic abuse relationships.
She said: "We need to give [claimants] more confidence in the fact that they can access cash immediately.
"You know people are nervous about moving from legacy benefits to Universal Credit because they cannot afford quite often to be without cash for a few days, a week, two weeks, three weeks.
"I have to make sure that they can have confidence in access in earlier."
Ms Rudd said in the Commons earlier this week she would talk to the Treasury about extra cash for the department.
Chancellor Philip Hammond revealed a package of measures in last month's Budget to help those on Universal Credit - with a multibillion pound programme.
Brits will be able to keep £630 of what they earn and will get help with extra payments and debt management, but those aren't set to come in for years.
How to get help on Universal Credit
IF you're experiencing trouble applying for your Universal Credit, or the payments just don't cover costs, here are your options:
Apply for an advance - Claimants are able to get some cash within five days rather than waiting weeks for their first payment. But it's a loan which means the repayments will be automatically deducted from your future Universal Credit pay out.
Alternative Payment Arrangements- If you're falling behind on rent, you or your landlord may be able to apply for an APA which will get your payment sent directly to your landlord. You might also be able to change your payments to get them more frequently, or you can split the payments if you're part of a couple.
Budgeting Advance - You may be able to get help from the government to help with emergency household costs of up to £348 if you're single, £464 if you're part of a couple or £812 if you have children. These are only in cases like your cooker breaking down or for help getting a job. You'll have to repay the advance through your regular Universal Credit payments. You'll still have to repay the loan, even if you stop claiming for Universal Credit.
Cut your Council Tax - You might be able to get a discount on your Council Tax or be entitled to Discretionary Housing Payments if your payments aren't enough to cover your rent.
Foodbanks - If you're really hard up and struggling to buy food and toiletries, you can find your local foodbank who will provide you with help for free. You can find your nearest one on the
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The current scheme is running five years behind schedule, and now won't cost any less than the old one.
Brits have said it is pushing them into debt and some are struggling to survive - with one woman even saying she was forced to take £30 for sex work while she waited.
Yesterday a man who had his payments slashed said he was made to live on pasta and gravy.
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