Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what income support is given to benefit claimants who transition from one benefit to another to prevent long periods of no income.

Any individual experiencing financial hardship while awaiting payment of their benefit award can apply for a Short Term Benefit Advance (STBA). The award of an STBA is based upon eligibility criteria. Payments of a STBA are recovered from benefit once it has been awarded.