PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Universal Credit (9 March 2021)

To respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department introduced a number of national policy easements for Universal Credit, which applied to all claimants.

With effect from March 2020 and until the end of June 2020, we suspended the requirements to attend appointments, undertake work preparation and work search and to be available for work for all UC claimants.

At the same time, the Department also adopted a socially distanced approach to identity verification (online verification, where possible), removed the Gainfully Self-Employed test, suspended the Minimum Income Floor and suspended all face-to-face Work Capability Assessments. These measures are currently still in place.

With effect from March 2020, claimants were not required to provide fit notes in person or by post to evidence their health condition. This measure became permanently incorporated into our business-as-usual practice from 23^rd November 2020.