Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to make reasonable adjustments for autistic people to complete Universal Credit applications.

The Department is committed to ensuring that the Universal Credit (UC) service is accessible to all, including autistic people and others with complex needs.

We recognise that some customers may require additional support to make and maintain a UC claim. A range of reasonable adjustments and tailored support is available, including:

• Help to Claim: Delivered by Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland, this service provides independent, practical support from the point of application through to the first correct payment.
• Enhanced Support Journey: For customers with complex needs, including those with autism, this includes outbound calls, home visits, and tailored case management.
• Face-to-face and telephone support: Available through local Jobcentres and the UC helpline for those unable to use the online service.
• Specialist staff: Trained to identify and respond to the needs of vulnerable claimants, including those with neurodivergent conditions.
• Third party Support: The claimant can give explicit consent for Universal Credit to speak with a third party to help with the management of a claim. Where a person is unable to manage their own claim the Department can arrange for a third party to be set up as an appointee to formally manage making and managing the benefit claim.

The Department continues to work with stakeholders and user groups to improve accessibility and ensure that the UC service meets the needs of all claimants.