Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many claimants of universal credit have had their payments reduced as a result of receiving disability living allowance.

Answer (Alok Sharma)

Certain types of income are disregarded when calculating a claimant’s Universal Credit award, including; Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, and Attendance Allowance. Therefore, no payments should be reduced as a result of people claiming these benefits.

The information requested concerning those claimants whose payments are affected as a result of Carer’s Allowance is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost. While Carer’s Allowance can impact a Universal Credit award, claimants do receive a supplementary element towards their total Universal Credit award, known as a Carer Element.