Recommendation 44

While monthly payments do mirror the world of work for many, DWP’s own figures show that a significant minority of people who claim Universal Credit received or continue to receive weekly or fortnightly wages. Other sources suggest that a majority of claimants may be paid more frequently than monthly. This can make it hard for households to budget, particularly if they are already managing debt. At the same time, monthly awards create difficulties for some people in social housing with weekly rent payments, and represent another adjustment for people moving from legacy benefits with weekly payments. The evidence we have heard tells us that the option for more frequent payments would benefit the most vulnerable claimants and would have low cost implications for DWP. (Paragraph 195) 86 Universal Credit: the wait for a first payment