{"id":47755,"date":"2014-09-19T09:01:52","date_gmt":"2014-09-19T09:01:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?guid=71fa4cc30d6326f42548f699df7bb173"},"modified":"2014-09-19T09:01:52","modified_gmt":"2014-09-19T09:01:52","slug":"press-release-waiting-days-for-universal-credit-claimants-consultation-announced","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?p=47755","title":{"rendered":"Press release: Waiting days for Universal Credit claimants: consultation announced"},"content":{"rendered":"
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SSAC<\/abbr> has today (19 September 2014) launched a public consultation on the government\u2019s intention that certain Universal Credit claimants must wait 7 days before they are entitled to benefit. <\/p>\n

Announcing the consultation, Paul Gray, the Committee\u2019s Chair, commented: <\/p>\n

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The Committee has previously made plain its concerns about the extension of waiting days for anyone making a claim to Employment and Support Allowance (ESA<\/abbr>) or Jobseeker\u2019s Allowance (JSA<\/abbr>). While these proposals may seem to mirror those on which we have already commented, there are important differences which have the potential to cause significant financial difficulties for some claimants. These warrant closer scrutiny. For example, larger sums of money could be lost as Universal Credit includes an element for housing costs and children whereas ESA<\/abbr> and JSA<\/abbr> do not. This is further compounded by the fact that Universal Credit is paid monthly so claimants are generally waiting longer for their first benefit payment. We are keen to learn more about the impact of this proposal.<\/p>\n

The government has stated that the savings generated (estimated to be over \u00a3200 million each year from 2016\/2017 onwards) will fund other initiatives designed to help people find work, for example by improving English language skills and providing support to lone parents.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The change is intended to commence in April 2015. <\/p>\n

The evidence received by SSAC<\/abbr> will help inform its report which will be submitted to the Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith MP, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, in the autumn. <\/p>\n

Responses should be submitted to the Committee\u2019s Secretary by 17 October:<\/p>\n

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The Committee Secretary
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Social Security Advisory Committee
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5th Floor
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Caxton House
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Tothill Street
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London
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SW1H 9NA
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Alternatively they can be emailed to ssac@dwp.gsi.gov.uk<\/a><\/p>\n

More about the consultation<\/h2>\n

The draft Regulations, Explanatory Memorandum and Equality Analysis<\/a> relating to this proposal can be accessed on this website. <\/p>\n

The Committee\u2019s previous report relating to the extension of waiting days in ESA<\/abbr> and JSA<\/abbr><\/a> can also be accessed on this website.<\/p>\n

SSAC<\/abbr> would like to hear from any organisation or individual who has comments and possible evidence relating to the following specific aspects of these proposals:<\/p>\n