‘Declarations’ for universal credit remain more than double the weekly number before coronavirus lockdown

New statistics show that more than 170,000 individual 'declarations' were made in week beginning 29 April 2020, as compared to just over 75,000 in week beginning 4 March

'Declarations' for universal credit for the week beginning 29 April 2020 remain more than double the weekly number of 'declarations made before the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown came into effect on 16 March 2020, according to new DWP statistics.

In 'Universal Credit management information tables: 1 March to 5 May 2020', published today, the  DWP sets out the first of its new weekly updates on the daily number of declarations made to universal credit.

The statistics show that, although the number of declarations has fallen from its peak in mid-March, there were still more than double the number made in the week beginning 29 April 2020, as compared to the week beginning 4 March 2020 -

NB - the DWP advises that a 'declaration' is made where an individual/household provides information on their personal circumstances to begin a universal credit claim, and clarifies that not all declarations will go on to receive a payment.

For more information, see Universal Credit management information tables: 1 March to 5 May 2020 from gov.uk