Universal Credit joint claims could be replaced by ‘split’ payments for some people under new proposal

The Scottish Government is ‘working closely’ with the DWP to consider the feasibility of introducing split payments.

The Scottish Government is looking at the possibility of introducing ‘split’ Universal Credit payments for people in Scotland. Cabinet Secretary for Communities, Social Security and Equalities of Scotland, Shirley-Anne Somerville, explained to Labour MSP Paul O'Kane that “officials expect to submit a formal policy proposal to DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) soon, for them to impact assess”.

The written response came after the West Scotland MSP asked if there was an update “in relation to the impact assessment process for introducing individual payments of Universal Credit, and what assessment it has made of any implications for the managed migration of those on ‘legacy benefits’ moving to Universal Credit in Scotland”.

People in the West of Scotland on Tax Credits will start to receive letters - also known as Managed Migration notices - this month inviting them to claim Universal Credit. Once the letter has been received, claimants have three months to make an application, or their current claim for Tax Credits will end.

Ms Somerville said: “Scottish Government officials are continuing to work closely with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to consider the feasibility of introducing split payments of Universal Credit. Officials expect to submit a formal policy proposal to DWP soon, for them to impact assess.”

She added: “The managed migration of people on legacy benefits onto Universal Credit will form part of DWP’s impact assessment of the split payment policy, and the Scottish Government will consider any impacts in due course. We will then be able to update on the feasibility of the policy.”

Universal Credit payment is normally paid directly into an account in your name, such as a bank, building society or credit union account.

If you are part of a couple, living in the same household, and both of you are claiming Universal Credit, you will receive one monthly household payment.

In exceptional circumstances a Universal Credit payment can be divided between two members of a household - this is known as a split payment.

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If you want to find out more about split payments, contact Universal Credit or talk to your work coach.