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The government is supporting homeless people to claim Universal Credit
Some people are confused about homeless people’s ability to claim Universal Credit, writes Justin Tomlinson, the new Department for Work and Pensions minister
I have only recently taken up my role at the Department for Work and Pensions as the minister for family support, housing and child maintenance, but one of the initial concerns I wanted to address was the confusion around people who are homeless claiming Universal Credit.
I would like to reassure people that support is available, and it’s incredibly important that people who are homeless – whether they’re rough sleeping, sofa surfing or living in temporary accommodation – should, and are able to, receive this support.
1. People can receive Universal Credit without an address
Usually when a person makes a claim for Universal Credit, they are asked to provide an address to register their claim to.
If a person doesn’t have a fixed address they can register their hostel or temporary accommodation as their address, and if they’re rough sleeping they can use the job centre address.
When their housing changes they can easily update their information online or by speaking to their work coach.
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2. People don’t need ID to receive Universal Credit
Undoubtedly, having ID makes the process of applying for Universal Credit simpler and quicker but in cases where a person doesn’t have ID, work coaches can use other methods to identify a person and help them make a claim.
This isn’t just for people who are homeless, but could be used in other situations as well, such as for people who have lost belongings in a fire or flood, or if they’re fleeing domestic violence.
3. You don’t need a bank account to receive Universal Credit
Having a bank account is important, and it makes it easier for people to make payments, manage money and get into work.
But we understand that a homeless person may not necessarily have a bank account. There are measures in place to make payments through other methods, including post office accounts or the Payment Exception Service, and a work coach can help people through the process of setting up a bank account when appropriate.
4. Finding a home is prioritised over finding work
Job centre staff can apply an ‘easement’ of up to one month, which means a person is not asked to look for work during this period and can focus on finding suitable accommodation.
Work coaches have the discretion to extend the easement period further, dependant on a person’s circumstances.
This government has committed to ending homelessness, and Universal Credit can be an important and effective tool in achieving this.
I want to see people who are homeless getting the support they’re entitled to, moving into a home and eventually supporting themselves through work.
I will continue to work with stakeholders and charities to make sure we can share the support available.
Justin Tomlinson, minister for family support, housing and child maintenance, Department for Work and Pensions
