Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what (a) evidence is required to be produced by decision-makers and (b) claimant consent is required in determining that it is in a universal credit claimant’s best interest that more than 40 per cent of a claimants' standard allowance should be taken in repayments.

Universal Credit provides an unprecedented level of personalised support. People receive tailored support, based on their individual requirements, including financial support.

Repayment of Universal Credit advances are included in the 40% cap on deductions that can be made from a claimant’s award. The maximum rate of deduction for an advance cannot exceed 40% of the claimant’s standard allowance.

These deductions are taken when it is in the best interest of the claimant. In determining this, the Decision Maker will take into account the claimant’s circumstances.

To protect vulnerable claimants from being made homeless or having their fuel disconnected, deductions in excess of the 40% of the claimant’s standard allowance can be taken in some circumstances. This is only for ‘last resort’ deductions , such as for arrears of service charges, rent, gas and electricity and on-going monthly costs of gas and electricity.

If a claimant is in financial difficulty as a result of the level of deductions, where it relates to benefit debt, a social fund loan or rent arrears, they can request that a reduction be considered.

If a claimant is having difficulty repaying a benefit overpayment they can request a reconsideration of the amount that is being taken. Any reduction will be based on the individual circumstances of the claimant rather than the amount of the overpayment, which helps to ensure that a sustainable repayment plan based on affordability is put in place.