As the UK's General Election approaches on July 4, benefits recipients are understandably concerned about how a change in government could affect their payments in the coming months.
Political parties often have different ideas about how the benefits' system should be structured and funded. Which means that those who depend on these payments need to be prepared for possible changes.
There is, however, some good news: any significant alterations proposed by the winning party are unlikely to take effect immediately. Most proposed changes to the benefits' system will require a consultation period, typically spanning several months or even years.
Therefore, despite the election occurring on July 4, recipients can expect no immediate changes to their July payments, especially since there are no bank holidays to affect the payment schedule.
Unchanged Payment Dates for Key Benefits
Recipients of the following benefits can anticipate their payment dates will remain unchanged in July:
- Universal Credit
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
- Child Benefit
- Disability Living Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer's Allowance
- Employment Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Jobseeker's Allowance
Future Changes Based on Election Outcomes
Looking further ahead, benefit recipients should be aware that the party elected to govern will likely implement changes as outlined in their manifestos. Here's a summary of what the major parties are proposing:
Labour Party
- Review of Universal Credit: Labour plans to conduct a comprehensive review of Universal Credit.
- Reform Work Capability Assessments: They aim to reform the assessments to better meet the needs of claimants.
- Support for Disabled Individuals: Labour proposes measures to assist disabled individuals in re-entering the workforce.
Conservative Party
- Revamp Disability Benefit Assessments: The Tories are focusing on overhauling capability assessments for disability benefits.
- Validate Sick Notes: They plan to introduce a new service for validating sick notes.
- Conditional Benefits: Consideration of cutting benefits for those who refuse "suitable jobs" after 12 months on benefits.
- Accelerate Universal Credit: The Conservatives are keen to speed up the rollout of Universal Credit.
The Shift to Universal Credit
Since Universal Credit was introduced in 2013, there has been a gradual transition from legacy benefits to this system. This trend is expected to continue regardless of the election outcome, as both major parties have plans that involve further integration and modification of Universal Credit.