Universal Credit: Domestic Violence

(asked on )

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what training has been provided to his Department's employees who are engaged in administering universal credit on the specific needs and requirements of victims of domestic abuse in relation to their claim for such credit and other benefits.


Answered by
Kit Malthouse Portrait
Kit Malthouse
This question was answered on 2nd February 2018

There is support in Universal Credit to help those in domestic abuse situations. For example the payment can be divided between two members of the household. This is known as a Split Payment and it is designed to prevent hardship to the claimant and their family. It can be considered in certain specific situations such as domestic violence or where financial abuse occurs or one partner mismanages the UC payment, but will not always be appropriate. In cases where the UC payment includes housing costs, a split payment would be accompanied by a Managed Payment to the landlord to safeguard the home and provide greater assistance for the claimant’s household.

All Department for Work and Pensions staff working with customers complete training that prepares them for their role. This includes developing the skills they need to support and communicate with a diverse range of customers. Specific training is provided for working with different vulnerable groups, with guidance to signpost customers to relevant support, including people who have been the victims of domestic violence. And these circumstances will be recorded on a claimant’s online account so DWP staff are aware. Staff are expected to identify and support vulnerable claimants, recognise and consider the impact of complex circumstances and adjust the requirements expected from claimants.

Furthermore, awareness training on the identification of claimants with complex needs is ongoing. A ‘hub’ of information which focuses on claimants with complex needs including victims of domestic violence is available to all staff, with a named single point of contact at each site.

Claimants including those fleeing domestic violence can make a Universal Credit claim without a bank account, instructions are provided when they get to the bank account page of their online claim. Relatives or appointee’s bank accounts could also be used in the short term, however we would always prefer the claimant to have and use their own bank account which we can support them in obtaining. Claimants have access to post office accounts or simple payments if they do not have a bank account.

Claimants fleeing domestic violence have always been exempt from waiting days and 100% advances are available to provide support in the first assessment period.

Furthermore, the Department has taken steps to ensure that all Universal Credit claimants are aware of the availability of advances, including victims of domestic abuse and other vulnerable groups. Work Coaches identify and support vulnerable claimants, recognising and considering the impact of complex circumstances.

Reticulating Splines