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Written question asked by Andrew Snowden (Conservative) on Tuesday, 11 November 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 13 November 2025. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 November 2025 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.


Child Benefit

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of suspended child benefit payments on (a) Universal Credit and (b) other means-tested benefits.

Answer

No assessment has been made.

Child Benefit, administered by His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC), is not taken into account as income when calculating a Universal Credit award or other means-tested benefits. It is used to assess benefit levels for the purpose of determining whether to apply the benefit cap which limits the amount of social security benefits a working age household can receive. The benefit cap is applied through Housing Benefit and Universal Credit.

The Department will continue to work closely with HMRC on all relevant matters.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
89707
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Child benefit Social security benefits
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk