AQW 13074/22-27

Ms Sian Mulholland
Alliance Party
North Antrim

Tabled Date: 06/06/2024
Answered On Date: 19/06/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities how he intends to promote the Universal Credit Contingency Fund short-term living expenses grant, as per the suggestion of the Cliff Edge Coalition.

Answer:

My Department has taken several steps to promote availability of the Universal Credit Contingency Fund.

The first journal message received by those making a new claim to Universal Credit provides details of the help available if they are facing any financial difficulty when waiting on their first payment. This message includes details of the Universal Credit Contingency Fund and a link to the application process.

There is a dedicated Finance Support campaign page on the nidirect website, developed using stakeholder feedback, which enables users to obtain information on all financial help available, including the Universal Credit Contingency Fund. Information can be found at: www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/finance-support

The Universal Credit Contingency Fund continues to feature within the Department’s digital advertising, most recently during May and June, with direct links to the nidirect website for more information.

My Department also promotes the availability of the Universal Credit Contingency Fund through its close links with advice sector colleagues and has cascaded awareness of the scheme though its wide range of Neighbourhood Renewal partnerships.