CYP Now - Universal Credit uplift: Key questions on legal challenge

The High Court is set to decide on whether it was lawful of the government not to give nearly two million people in receipt of disability benefits the same £20 per week increase that it has given Universal Credit recipients.

The High Court will hear the case later this year. Picture: Adobe Stock

In a decision dated 27 April, the High Court granted claimants of Employment Support Allowance (ESA) permission to challenge the Department for Work and Pensions decision not to increase their benefit in line with Universal Credit.

What is behind the announcement?

At the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a £20 per week increase to the standard allowance of Universal Credit, but this was not extended to those on so called ‘legacy benefits’, which includes ESA.

Who is affected by the current rules?

Currently only families and individuals in receipt of Universal Credit are entitled to the temporary £20 per week uplift which is due to end in December.

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