---

Universal Credit (Standard Allowance Entitlement of Care Leavers) Bill [HL]: HL Bill 30 of 2024-25

The Universal Credit (Standard Allowance Entitlement of Care Leavers) Bill [HL] is a private member’s bill introduced by the Bishop of Manchester. The bill was introduced on 10 September 2024 and its second reading is scheduled to take place on 17 January 2025.

The bill would amend the Universal Credit Regulations 2013 to increase the standard allowance entitlement of universal credit for individuals leaving care once they turn 18 to match the amount available to claimants aged 25 or over. The standard allowance entitlement varies based on a recipient’s age, with individuals aged 25 or over receiving a higher amount than those under 25. At present, a single person aged under 25 receives a monthly standard allowance of £311.68, while a single person aged 25 or over receives £393.45 per month.

Several charities have called for care leavers to receive the higher standard allowance entitlement of universal credit given to claimants aged 25 or over. While the government has said it is not considering changes to the standard allowance rates, it has committed to a future review of universal credit.