Skip to main content

Open petition: Allow UC claimants with start-up-businesses to receive payments for 3 years

Created by Richard Wilk
Closes on

Change the law to allow people on Universal Credit who start and run a business to continue to receive payments for 3 years. This could give them time to build income and stability before benefits are reduced. This could encourage self-employment, growth, and independence from Universal Credit.

Currently, people on Universal Credit risk losing benefits after 12 months, making it difficult for many to move forward. A 3-year grace period could let them build sustainable businesses, increase confidence, and create future jobs. Many may later leave Universal Credit altogether, saving money long-term and giving people real opportunities to succeed.

Sign this petition

238 signatures


Petition progress

View all updates for this petition, with the most recent first.

  • Petition published

    This petition can now be signed.

    If this petition gets 10,000 signatures, government will respond to it.

    If this petition gets 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.

    This petition will stay open until 12 September 2026.