As first universal credit claims since lockdown go into payment, DWP forecasts that at least 93 per cent will be paid in full and on time

Minister also confirms that since 16 March 2020 there have been more than 1.5 million new claims for the benefit

As the first universal credit claims since the coronavirus lockdown began go into payment, the DWP has forecast that at least 93 per cent will be paid in full and on time.

In a press release yesterday, seen by rightsnet (though not published to gov.uk), the DWP says - 

'People who made their claims when lockdown first began will receive payments from tomorrow, and in a letter to the Work and Pensions Select Committee, DWP Permanent Secretary Peter Schofield has confirmed that at least 93 per cent of people are forecast to receive their payments in full and on time.'

In addition, responding to a parliamentary written question yesterday about what steps the Department has taken to manage the increase in claims for universal credit as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, Minister for Welfare Delivery Will Quince said - 

'The Department’s priority is to continue to ensure those who are entitled to benefit receive the support they need at a time when new claims for universal credit are at an unprecedented level.

Since 16 March 2020, we have received more than 1.5 million new claims for universal credit. 10,000 members of staff from other parts of DWP are being redeployed to support work on new claims and we are urgently recruiting additional people to assist with the processing of claims.'

Mr Quince's written answer is available from parliament.uk