Debt deductions

There are so many issues affecting people living in poverty that could be ameliorated or even resolved if policy makers worked effectively with those that have direct lived experience. One of the issues Poverty2Solutions is focusing on is the issue of Universal credit and debt deductions.

What are debt deductions from benefits?

Debt deductions are when a benefit claimant has arrears of essential household outgoings (like rent or advance payments) so the DWP take some or all of what the claimant owes out of their benefit payment to pay that debt back. So as a benefit payment you will not receive the full amount of your benefit, the amount taken will vary - currently it is a maximum of 30% of your overall benefit. 

Our ask to Government is…

“The UK Government should work in partnership with people with lived experiences of the social security system to ensure debt deductions from Universal Credit and legacy benefits are not drivers of hardship and destitution. This includes repayment of UC advances that many people are forced to borrow to survive the minimum five-week wait for their first UC payment.”

 
 
 

Publications

Here a few of our latest publications on debt deductions and how Lived Experience can help create better policy making.

 

#1: Debt Deductions the basics

FACTSHEET

An info sheet we developed for our members that gives the basics on debt deductions including what benefits are affected, what can be taken, the scale and impact of debt deductions as well as latest policy developments.

Featured
Big Issue Article: Some people choose between food and paying bills. Labour must consider them when making decisions

Debt Awareness week

FROM OUR BLOG

W/C 22nd March marks Debt Awareness week and Poverty2Solutions have released this article calling on all of us to look at the drivers of debt and the Government’s own role here as a debt collector.

 

What can I do?

 

Subscribe to our email list


Follow us on twitter @poverty2sols

If you have personal experience of living in poverty we’d like to hear from you - please share your story with us on Twitter.

Or just get in touch

To get involved with the project or find out more you can get in touch at info@poverty2solutions.org.

If you need help or advice with debt deductions or managing debt in general here are three (of many) organisations that can help:

 
 

LATEST NEWS

News/Updates
Big Issue Article: Some people choose between food and paying bills. Labour must consider them when making decisions
Big Issue Article: Some people choose between food and paying bills. Labour must consider them when making decisions

Tracy Herrington writes about why the new Labour government must put disadvantaged communities at the heart of their decisions – and why that needs to be enshrined in law

Radio 4’s Positive Thinking: “We don’t want you to wear our shoes”
Radio 4’s Positive Thinking: “We don’t want you to wear our shoes”

Tracey Herrington speaking with Lord David Willetts and Michele Wucker on Radio 4’s Positive Thinking.

Why the socio-economic duty (and its meaningful implementation) matters
Why the socio-economic duty (and its meaningful implementation) matters
Using lived experience of poverty to advocate for change- ATD
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On tour - creating our own merch!
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Through the eyes and values of lived experiences: Listen up to level up
Through the eyes and values of lived experiences: Listen up to level up
Levelling up and listening to left behind communities: making the case for addressing rising levels of inequality in partnership with people with lived experiences of poverty
Levelling up and listening to left behind communities: making the case for addressing rising levels of inequality in partnership with people with lived experiences of poverty
Behind the Scenes: On curve-balls and authenticity
Behind the Scenes: On curve-balls and authenticity
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Contributing to the road map out of the pandemic – Do Your Duty for Equality. Making the case for addressing rising levels of inequality in partnership with people with lived experiences of poverty.
Contributing to the road map out of the pandemic – Do Your Duty for Equality. Making the case for addressing rising levels of inequality in partnership with people with lived experiences of poverty.