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Written question asked by Neil Duncan-Jordan (Labour) on Friday, 28 March 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 3 April 2025 (named day). It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Thursday, 3 April 2025 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Universal Credit: Disability

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to her Department's Green Paper entitled Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working, published on 18 March 2025, whether disabled people aged between 19 and 22 years in receipt of Universal Credit whose condition is (a) severe and (b) terminal will be required to seek employment.

Answer

In Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper we are consulting on raising the age someone can access the UC Health Element to 22, which would remove any potential disincentive to work during this time. It would also be on the basis that resources may be better spent on improving the quality and range of opportunities available to young people through the guarantee, so they can move towards a life of learning, training or work rather than a life on benefits. However, we do understand that there may be some exceptions where this may not be possible due to a disability or health condition.

No final decision has been made on access to the UC health element and we welcome responses to the consultation.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
42352
Session
2024-26
Related items
Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working
Tuesday, 18 March 2025
Command papers
House of Commons
House of Lords
Subjects
Disability Universal credit Reform Terminal illnesses
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk