Written question WQ86132
- Asked by
- Laura Anne JonesConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Social Justice
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 10 days
Question
What is the Government doing to address the increasing numbers of people claiming universal credit?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Social Justice
Unlike the UK Government, we continue to support people to secure and remain in employment, we have put in place packages of support for the increasing numbers of people looking to us for assistance as a consequence of the UK’s financial crisis.
We are committed to do all that we can to support people in Wales who continue to be affected by the pressures of Covid-19, and the increases in the cost-of-living. At this time, it is more critical than ever that people across Wales understand all the financial support that is available to them, including Universal Credit. Our income maximisation projects help families improve their longer-term financial position.
The Discretionary Assistance Fund provides a non-repayable grant to help pay for essential costs through the Emergency Assistance Payment (EAP) and Individual Assistance Payment (IAP). Additionally, our Working Wales services also provide individual advice and guidance and signpost to a range of opportunities to help Universal Credit claimants.