Universal Credit Death of a Child 2022-12-05
2022-12-05
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the financial impact on families receiving Universal Credit when a parent transitions into full-time caregiving due to the death of a child. She mentions that her constituents face significant strain due to benefit changes.
I am not entirely certain whether the Minister just announced a change in what the Government are doing, but may I press him on the issue affecting my constituents? The loss of these benefits places a heavy financial strain on parents who are already suffering from overwhelming grief. One of my constituents knows this. I have asked the Minister and his predecessor on several occasions for a meeting to see how to mitigate that. If he has just announced a change, I would be happy if he could explain what has now changed. Will he please meet me to explain what the changes are?
The hon. Lady may not know, but I lost twin boys and fully understand the difficulties her constituent faces in terms of bereavement. It is clearly the case that there are the run-on provisions, but I would happy to sit down with her to explain the run-on provisions and the extent to which there is ongoing support for the bereaved.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for a detailed explanation of recent changes was not directly addressed; instead, the Minister offered to meet to discuss existing provisions.
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP inquires about the support available to parents who are transitioning into full-time caregiving due to the death of a child, highlighting concerns over financial strain and previous requests for meetings.
Whether his Department is taking steps to support parents in receipt of universal credit with the financial transition when a full-time caring role changes following the death of a child with a life-limiting condition.
The answer is yes. We want universal credit to provide support to claimants even where they have suffered bereavement of a child. Where a bereavement happens, we seek to ensure that the child element, disabled child element, childcare, carer element and housing element with the run-on provisions will all continue, notwithstanding the loss.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy