AQW 38176/22-27

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 steps his Department has taken to ensure that Universal Credit communications issued during the move from Employment and Support Allowance are accessible for adults with a learning disability, including the use of clear language, and formats designed to reduce distress, and confusion.

Answer:

The Move to Universal Credit of legacy benefit claimants is supported through a range of communications, primarily migration notification letters, an awareness campaign and information online at nidirect.gov.uk. The migration notification letters were developed following extensive user testing and Advice Sector consultation to ensure the language and messaging used was as clear and easily understood as possible.

Alternative formats of communication materials are available on request and all web content is considered in line with the appropriate Accessibility Regulations and the language used is suitable for a reading age of 9 years.