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Closed Reduce 5 week wait for first Universal Credit payment to 2 weeks.

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Reduce the wait for claimants first Universal Credit payment from 5 weeks to a maximum of 2 weeks. It has been proven & evidenced by numerous sources that the wait causes severe financial hardship leading to debt, rent arrears, homelessness & mental health problems.

"Arrears for UC claimants are almost 6 times the average arrears of a Housing Benefit claimant (£162) – the UC average is £938."
Peabody.

"Our evidence has consistently shown the 5 week wait to be one of the most problematic features of UC."
CAB Scotland.

"Tenants claiming Universal Credit at July 2019 had seen a much bigger average increase in rent arrears since roll-out began than Housing Benefit tenants."
Riverside Group.

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    This petition will stay open until 13 September 2020.