These new Regulations - which replace previous guidance - enable the DWP, with the claimant’s consent, to stagger payments of benefit arrears rather than pay the whole amount as a lump sum, where it believes it is necessary to protect the interests of the claimant.
This will apply to arrears of the following benefits:
In England, Wales and Scotland: Bereavement Support Payment, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Maternity Allowance, Pension Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Retirement Pension, State Pension, Universal Credit, Widowed Parent’s Allowance, Widow’s Benefit.
In England & Wales: Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance, Social Fund Cold Weather Payments, Social Fund Funeral Payments, Social Fund Maternity Expenses, Social Fund Winter Fuel Payments.
For Universal Credit and joint claim JSA, both claimants ie both members of a couple, will need to agree to the instalments - although only one needs to be at risk if paid as a lump sum.
These new Regulations come into force on 18th October 2021. |