Policy Document
Welfare Reform Act 2012
Benefits & Requirements
Coverage: Eligible groups or beneficiaries
Single individuals and couples who meet the basic and financial conditions.
Target group
Children
Types of benefits guaranteed by this document
Tax-Benefits
If selected "Other" please specify here
The Act introduces Universal Credit to replace a range of means-tested benefits and tax credits for people of working age, among which the Child Tax Credit, which regulates child benefits as part of family allowances.
Conditions for accessing the benefit stipulated by this document
- Basic conditions: a person meets the basic conditions if he or she: is at least 18 years old; has not reached the qualifying age for state pension credit; is in Great Britain; is not receiving education; and has accepted a claimant commitment. - Financial conditions: the financial conditions for a claimant are that: the claimant’s capital is not greater than a certain amount (£16,000 as prescribed by the Universal Credit Regulations 2013); his or her income is such that, if the claimant were entitled to universal credit, the amount payable would not be less than any prescribed minimum (the prescribed minimum is one penny, as set out by the Universal Credit Regulations 2013). For joint claimants (couples), the basic conditions have to hold for both, and the financial conditions relate to their combined capital and income.
Amount of the subsidy or contribution granted
not specified.
The duration of the benefit is determined by the following specific conditions
not specified
Read the Law
Full Text Source in English
2012, chapter 5
Original full text source in native language
2012, chapter 5
Full text web source in English
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/1814/pdfs/uksi_20121814_en.pdf
Original full text web source in native language
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2012/5/pdfs/ukpga_20120005_en.pdf
Secondary Literature & Sources
Secondary literature
- Tarr, A., & Finn, D. “Implementing Universal Credit: Will the Reforms Improve the Service for Users?” Joseph Rowntree Foundation, York (2012). Available at: http://www.socialwelfare.bl.uk/subject-areas/services-activity/poverty-benefits/josephrowntreefoundation/137338universal-credit-benefits-summary.pdf
- Brewer, M., Browne, J., & Jin, W. “Universal Credit: A Preliminary Analysis of Its Impact on incomes and Work Incentives”. Fiscal Studies 33(1) (2012): 39-71.
- UK Department for Work and Pensions. “Universal Credit: welfare that works”. Paper presented to Parliament by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, London (2010). Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/48897/universal-credit-full-document.pdf
Comments & Clarifications
Universal credit is being introduced in stages. Currently, it may be claimed in the following areas: Bath; Hammersmith (London); Harrogate; Inverness; North-West England; Shotton (Wales).