Page 102 - Reforming Benefits Decision-Making -(updated - August 2021)

a) The UC webpages are part of a How to claim Universal Credit: step by
step guide, which also links to additional information on “What to do
278
if you have a health condition or disability” and “What to do if you
279
disagree with the decision”.
280
b) In addition to the UC step by step guide there are a whole variety of other
guides, including: a Universal Credit: Health conditions and disability
guide; a Universal Credit: childcare guide; as well as guides for
281
282
people in particular circumstances such as prison leavers, students and
homeless people. There are also a range of guides for landlords and for
those supporting claimants. There is a “Universal Credit and you
283
guide” intended to be for people already claiming UC which includes
information on sanctions, how and when UC is paid and help with
childcare and housing costs.
284
c) In addition, the DWP has a website “understanding universal credit”
which is separate from the normal gov.uk DWP pages. It provides an
array of information on UC, 285 including information on eligibility,
conditionality and sanctions, what to do if you have a health condition or
disability that prevents or limits the work that you can do, making a
286
288
287
claim and managing a claim. There is also a section for people who
289
are assisting someone else to claim.

278 The webpage has a timeline of five steps with links to information about each step. The steps are 1.
Check if you’re eligible, 2. Create an account and make a claim and find out how your claim is
assessed (links to what to do if you have a health condition or disability), 3. Apply for an advance on
your first payment, 4. Get your first payment (links to information on what to do if you disagree with
the decision) 5. Report any change of circumstances. See DWP, How to claim universal credit: step by
step.
279 DWP, Health conditions, disability and Universal Credit.
280 DWP, Challenge a benefit decision (mandatory reconsideration) (see n. 230 above).
281 DWP, Universal Credit: Health conditions and disability guide (July 2020).
282 DWP, Universal Credit: childcare guide (July 2020).
283 An overview of all of the different guidance available for UC can be found here: Understanding
Universal Credit, Universal Credit: Detailed Guidance (February 2020).
284 DWP, Universal Credit and you (April 2021).
285 Understanding Universal Credit, What is universal credit?.
286 Understanding Universal Credit, New to Universal Credit.
287 Understanding Universal Credit, Making a claim.

93