DWP Expands Eligibility for Additional £110 Payments in Universal Credit Update

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to enhance support for thousands of Universal Credit claimants by expanding eligibility for additional £28.20 weekly payments per child, potentially boosting family incomes by over £110 every four weeks. This initiative follows the successful Scottish Child Payment scheme, which has demonstrably reduced child poverty rates.

Currently, the Scottish Child Payment offers £28.20 weekly to families on qualifying benefits for each child under 16. These payments, made every four weeks, amount to £112.80 per child per payment cycle. Crucially, only one individual in a household can claim the payment for each child, and receiving this support does not affect entitlement to other UK or Scottish government benefits.

Universal Credit recipients and those on income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) qualify for the additional payment. Single claimants on related benefits may also be eligible. If a partner receives one of these benefits and you do not, your partner can apply on behalf of your family.

Edward McPherson, senior consultant at WPI Economics, addressed the Work and Pensions Committee, emphasizing the positive impact of the Scottish scheme and its potential benefits if rolled out across the UK. He stated, “When you model an extension of that to the UK, it is very effective as well.”

Recent policy updates include increased Universal Credit standard allowances, alongside an additional £303.94 monthly payment per child living with the claimant. Notably, support now applies to every child in a household, removing the previous cap on the number of children eligible for payments.

Families should also review their Child Benefit eligibility, which offers £27.05 weekly for the eldest or only child and £17.90 for each additional child. However, these benefits are subject to income thresholds; repayment of the claim starts when individual annual earnings exceed £60,000 and full repayment occurs at £80,000.

With these expanded provisions, the DWP continues its commitment to alleviating child poverty and providing vital financial assistance to families across the UK.