AQW 25178/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 27/03/2025
Answered On Date: 24/04/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail (i) any assessment that has been made of the impact of ongoing work coach requirements on full-time university students with caring responsibilities; and (ii) whether his Department has considered introducing greater flexibility within Universal Credit to support these individuals.

Answer:

Universal Credit work coaches are trained to provide a supportive, tailored service to all claimants. Full time students who are eligible to claim Universal Credit should discuss their caring responsibilities with their work coach who will develop and agree a claimant commitment with them that is both flexible and reflective of the demands of their caring responsibilities.