Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when his Department plans to open the Universal Support scheme for applications; and if he will publish the eligibility criteria for that scheme.

Universal Support will begin in 2024 and will provide up to 12 months of high-quality Supported Employment, which adheres to the five stage Supported Employment Model of place, train and maintain.

Universal Support will support disabled people, people with health conditions, and people with additional barriers to employment, into sustained work.  Full eligibility criteria and the timetable and delivery approach for Universal Support will be confirmed following stakeholder engagement, including with local commissioners and the devolved administrations.