Recommendation 140

The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations also highlights that the policy choice of building in this wait time for Scottish Choices does not align with other DWP policies: the rationale given by the DWP for the one month wait to take up the Choices is on ‘the basis that it might not be in the interests of the claimant until the first assessment had verified the claimant’s entitlement.’340 We heard, however, that waiting for verification policy is ‘at odds with the DWP’s readiness to offer an advance payment of up to 100% of the claimant’s estimated monthly award at the start of the claim, prior to verification of entitlement.’341 Initial administration issues