AQW 38174/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 14/01/2026
Answered On Date: 22/01/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any specific support currently in place to assist adults with a learning disability, who are required to move from an Employment and Support Allowance award to Universal Credit, particularly at the point of initial application.

Answer:

All claimants moving from Employment and Support Allowance to Universal Credit will receive a migration letter which includes details of a range of support available to make their application including the Universal Credit helpline and signposting to independent advice. As part of the migration journey, enhanced support arrangements are also in place, with additional touch points both prior to and after making a claim, to ensure all claimants are able to make and maintain their Universal Credit account. This can include additional support telephone calls, appointments in a local Jobs & Benefits office and a home visit if required.

Tailored support can be accessed by adults with a learning disability or their appointee by contacting their local Jobs & Benefits office. This support is available at the point of initial application and at any stage thereafter. The full list of Jobs & Benefits office locations is available on nidirect and the Department for Communities websites.