Government proposal to extend benefit waiting days: consultation announced

The Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) has launched a public consultation on the Government’s intention to extend the number of days a claimant must wait before they are entitled to receive certain benefits from three to seven.

It is estimated that those making a claim for Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or Employment Support Allowance (ESA) will lose, on average, £40 or £50 respectively.
Announcing the consultation, Paul Gray, the Committee’s Chairman, commented: “This proposal has history. An identical change was put forward by the Government in 1998 but subsequently dropped. Then, as now, an understandable desire to ensure limited public resources are used most effectively was the main driver for the proposal.

However, as benefits are now being paid fortnightly in arrears, it is important that we understand the full impact of this change – particularly on the most vulnerable. We are keen to hear from anyone who is able to provide information about the consequences of this change”.

The Department for Work and Pensions estimates that, as a result of this proposal, the average loss of benefit at the start of each award will be £40 for JSA claimants and £50 for ESA claimants. The Government intends that the savings generated will fund other initiatives designed to help people find work.

The change is intended to commence in October.

The evidence received by SSAC will help inform its report which will be submitted to the Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith MP, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, in the summer. Responses should be submitted to the Committee’s Secretary by 13 June:

ssac@dwp.gsi.gov.uk

Alternatively they can be posted to:

The Committee Secretary
Social Security Advisory Committee
5th Floor
Caxton House
Tothill Street
London
SW1H 9NA