Recommendation 2

The Government provision of additional support to those on low incomes through one-off payments presents a problem of cliff-edges to that support. If someone doesn’t match the criteria required of the means-tested benefits, both in terms of income and the time they are being assessed for eligibility, they will not receive this significant lump sum support when a very similar household may do so. That appears unfair. It may also create a disincentive to work, as it may be in someone’s interests to reduce their hours at key periods to ensure their eligibility for the benefit at the required time.