Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 138
138
Another barrier to people signing up to Scottish Choices is that claimants cannot access the...
Conclusion
Another barrier to people signing up to Scottish Choices is that claimants cannot access the choices immediately, instead having to wait until they have received their first Universal Credit payment before taking up one or both options. Citizens Advice Scotland highlighted to our predecessor Committee on their inquiry on welfare policy in Scotland that this can cause particular problems for claimants who opt for twice-monthly payments as they only receive half of their Universal Credit award at the end of their second month on Universal Credit; they then have to wait a further fifteen days for the second half of their payment to come through to their account.337
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The Scottish Government’s current policy is to offer Scottish Choices in the second assessment period. This allows time, in the first assessment period, to consider DWP Alternative Payment Arrangement, for more frequent payments and managed payments to landlords to protect vulnerable people who are at risk of not paying their rent. Social landlords are also able to request a DWP Alternative Payment Arrangement from day one, if they believe their tenants are vulnerable. Scottish Choices do not replace the need for DWP Alternative Payment Arrangements. Claimants can opt in or out of a Scottish Choice at any time. Only DWP agents can review Alternative Payment Arrangements, ensuring housing costs continue to be paid directly to the landlord, for those who may otherwise choose not to pay them.