Written questions by Coleman.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that all eligible claimants are made aware of the forthcoming proposed removal of the two-child limit on Child Tax Credit and Universal Credit.

The Government has announced that the two child‑ limit in Child Tax Credit and Universal Credit will be removed from 6th April 2026. For Universal Credit, the Department is contacting customers who are expected to benefit from the removal of the two child limit directly, ensuring that families are aware of the additional support they will be entitled to. Eligible customers will automatically receive the increased child element from April 2026, provided the number of children in their household is correctly recorded on their Universal Credit claim. The Universal Credit service will be updated to reflect the policy change, and agents will receive updated guidance and communications to support them in responding to claimant enquiries. Customers can also receive additional support through Jobcentres, by telephoning the Universal Credit helpline, or via their online Universal Credit account. HM Revenue and Customs is responsible for managing any remaining Child Tax Credit claims and will lead on communications with their affected customers.

What steps he is taking to support people migrating to Universal Credit who lack digital skills and are unable to complete online requirements, including accepting their claimant commitment.

The Department recognises that not all people moving to Universal Credit have the confidence or ability to use digital services independently. Universal Credit is designed to be “digital-first”, but not “digital‑-only”,‑ and a range of support is already in place to ensure that claimants who lack digital skills, or who cannot complete online actions such as accepting their Claimant Commitment, are fully supported. All Jobcentres provide free access to WiFi and computers, alongside Work Coach support, so claimants can get help using online services if they need it. For those who cannot use digital channels at all, assistance to make and maintain their claim is available by telephone, and Work Coaches can accept Claimant Commitments verbally where appropriate. If a claimant is unable to accept their commitments digitally, agents may record verbal consent and accept the commitment on their behalf, ensuring no‑-one‑ is disadvantaged because of low digital capability. Additional help is available through the Citizens Advice “Help to Claim” service, which provides independent support for people moving to Universal Credit, including navigating digital requirements. These measures ensure that claimants who lack digital skills continue to receive tailored support throughout their migration journey, and that no-one‑ is prevented from accessing Universal Credit because they cannot complete online actions.

If his Department will coordinate with the incoming Erasmus+ National Agency to ensure apprenticeship funding rules support overseas placements in EU companies.

Funding for Erasmus+ placements is provided through the Erasmus+ programme. The apprenticeship funding rules for 2026/27 academic year will set out details on apprenticeships and the Erasmus+ programme.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of Erasmus+ work placements for apprentices on the Growth and Skills Levy.

Funding for Erasmus+ placements is provided through the Erasmus+ programme. The apprenticeship funding rules for 2026/27 academic year will set out details on apprenticeships and the Erasmus+ programme.

Pursuant to the answer of 1 December to Question 94595, how many current Access to Work applications which have been allocated for an assessment are there for people identified as living with a (a) form of arthritis and (b) a musculoskeletal condition.

The Department does not hold data on the number of Access to Work applications allocated for assessment for people identified as living with (a) a form of arthritis or (b) a musculoskeletal condition. While the health condition is recorded on the customer’s record to ensure appropriate support is awarded this information is not collated for reporting purposes. Determining these figures would require a manual review of individual applications, which would incur a disproportionate cost.

How reasonable adjustments are assessed and implemented for disabled claimants undergoing migration to Universal Credit.

The Department for Work and Pensions is committed to ensuring that the migration to Universal Credit works as smoothly as possible for all individuals, including those with disabilities. We recognise that some claimants may require additional support to make and maintain their claim, and we provide a range of reasonable adjustments and tailored support in line with the Equality Act 2010. Migration notices are issued in the appropriate format to meet any accessibility needs recorded for the customer on the legacy benefit system, such as braille, large print, British Sign Language (BSL), or email. Once a Universal Credit claim is made, customers can update their accessibility preferences directly through their online account. For those who require additional support, the Department offers an Enhanced Support Journey to ensure legacy benefits do not end before a UC claim is completed. This includes proactive contact and, where necessary, home visits. Alternative channels are also available for claimants unable to use the online service, including telephone claims, face-to-face support in Jobcentres, and Video Relay Services for BSL users. Broader support needs—such as cognitive impairments or safeguarding requirements—are recorded and made visible to Work Coaches, Case Managers, and Visiting Officers to ensure tailored assistance throughout the migration process. We also fund the Help to Claim service, delivered by Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland, which provides independent, practical support from the point of application through to the first correct payment. Where a claimant cannot manage their own claim, they can give explicit consent for Universal Credit to speak with a third party or appoint an appointee to formally manage the claim. These measures form part of our broader commitment to equality and inclusion, ensuring that no one is disadvantaged in accessing the support they are entitled to.

What protections are in place for claimants with disabilities during the Universal Credit migration process.

The Department for Work and Pensions is committed to ensuring that the transition to Universal Credit works as smoothly and safely as possible for all individuals, including for disabled people. Customers moving from DWP legacy benefits or Housing Benefit continue to receive their legacy benefits for two weeks following their move to Universal Credit to smooth the transition from fortnightly to monthly payments. Customers who under Universal Credit are entitled to a lower amount of benefit will have their current cash award transitionally protected at the higher award. To support customers to make a claim to Universal Credit, we have put in place additional support arrangements for customers that face additional challenges. This includes: An enhanced Support Journey for vulnerable customers who require more help, such as those moving from Employment and Support Allowance. This approach involves proactive contact, additional time to make their claim to Universal Credit, and home visits where necessary. Multiple support channels, including a dedicated Move to UC helpline, face-to-face assistance in Jobcentres, and independent support through Citizens Advice’s Help to Claim service. Accessibility measures, such as telephone claims for those unable to claim online, Video Relay Services for British Sign Language users, and alternative communication formats are also available. Safeguarding and specialist support, with over 150 Complex Case Coaches providing personalised assistance and working closely with local safeguarding teams where the person is particularly vulnerable. Reasonable adjustments, including extended deadlines and appointee arrangements for claimants unable to manage their own affairs. These measures are part of our broader commitment to equality and inclusion, ensuring that no one is disadvantaged in accessing the support they are entitled to.

What assessment has been made of the risk of harm, including financial hardship, distress, or loss of income, which may arise from the Universal Credit migration process.

The Department for Work and Pensions is committed to ensuring that the transition to Universal Credit works as smoothly and safely as possible for all individuals, including for disabled people. Customers moving from DWP legacy benefits or Housing Benefit continue to receive their legacy benefits for two weeks following their move to Universal Credit to smooth the transition from fortnightly to monthly payments. Customers who under Universal Credit are entitled to a lower amount of benefit will have their current cash award transitionally protected at the higher award. To support customers to make a claim to Universal Credit, we have put in place additional support arrangements for customers that face additional challenges. This includes: An enhanced Support Journey for vulnerable customers who require more help, such as those moving from Employment and Support Allowance. This approach involves proactive contact, additional time to make their claim to Universal Credit, and home visits where necessary. Multiple support channels, including a dedicated Move to UC helpline, face-to-face assistance in Jobcentres, and independent support through Citizens Advice’s Help to Claim service. Accessibility measures, such as telephone claims for those unable to claim online, Video Relay Services for British Sign Language users, and alternative communication formats are also available. Safeguarding and specialist support, with over 150 Complex Case Coaches providing personalised assistance and working closely with local safeguarding teams where the person is particularly vulnerable. Reasonable adjustments, including extended deadlines and appointee arrangements for claimants unable to manage their own affairs. These measures are part of our broader commitment to equality and inclusion, ensuring that no one is disadvantaged in accessing the support they are entitled to.

What plans his Department has to use AI-powered job-matching tools developed by the private sector to run the new digital service behind the new Jobs and Careers Service.

The Department for Work and Pensions is committed to reforming the Jobs and Careers Service to better support jobseekers and employers. The Department continues to monitor market innovations and will leverage the right technology, including AI, to deliver improved outcomes for citizens. Use of AI would be subject to rigorous assessment, procurement in line with government regulations, and alignment with the Department’s responsible AI framework.

What recent assessment he has made of the cost of ending the existing Find a Job digital service and transitioning to a new in-house replacement digital service for the new Jobs and Careers Service.

The full contract for running the Find a job and Disability Confident services includes exit fees, and is available online at: Find a Job Service extension - Find a Tender - GOV.UK

What estimate he has made of the level of spending required to develop and run in-house the replacement digital service for the new Jobs and Careers Service.

This information is not available at this time. The Jobs and Careers Service Programme is still being designed. When the Business Case has His Majesty’s Treasury approval, an executive summary will be published in line with current practice.

What recent assessment his Department has made of the readiness of the replacement digital service for the new Jobs and Careers Service.

The Department is working to ensure the new Jobs and Careers Service is delivered on schedule. The Department continues to engage with stakeholders and will communicate changes in a timely manner.

How many people living with a (a) form of arthritis and (b) musculoskeletal condition are waiting for a decision on their Access to Work claim.

The Department does not hold data on the number of individuals living with (a) a form of arthritis or (b) a musculoskeletal condition who are currently awaiting a decision on their Access to Work claim. Health conditions are only identified once an application has been allocated for assessment.

Hat steps his Department is taking to ensure timely payments to Access to Work support providers.

We are continuing to streamline delivery practices and have increased the number of staff processing claims. Since May 2024, 118 additional staff have been redeployed to support Access to Work. We also prioritise customers starting a job in four weeks. We are reviewing all aspects of Access to Work as we develop plans for reform following the conclusion of the consultation.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the accessibility of the Access to Work application process for people with (a) learning disabilities, (b) mental health conditions and (c) neurodivergent needs; and what steps his Department is taking to simplify the process.

As part of the application process for Access to Work, we encourage individuals to provide as much information about their circumstances as possible, to help us understand how best to offer support which is tailored to their needs. There is a variety of accessible contact methods which customers can utilise when making applications. These include telephone, textphone, Video Relay Service and email as a reasonable adjustment. Where a customer would like to use email to contact the department as a reasonable adjustment, they should let the Access to Work team know so the Case Manager can follow the appropriate procedure to ensure we can try to accommodate the request. Details can be found at Access to Work: factsheet for customers - GOV.UK We will be reviewing all aspects of the Scheme now that the consultation has closed.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure (a) consistency and (b) transparency in Access to Work funding decisions in different types of (i) disability and (ii) employment sectors.

For the last year, we have worked to improve decision-making throughout the Scheme by ensuring that guidance is applied with greater consistency, helping to provide a fairer process.

What steps he is taking to help support tenants with the cost of rent in the social housing sector.

There is support through the social security system for low-income households living in the social rented sector which is paid through either the housing element of Universal Credit or through Housing Benefit. The level of housing support received is based on the full eligible rent the tenant pays, unless the benefit cap or the removal of the spare room subsidy (RSRS) apply. There is further support available for people entitled to Housing Benefit or Universal Credit who face a shortfall in meeting their housing costs. They can apply to their local authority for Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs).

If she will take steps to ensure that Universal Credit advisers are aware that payments should be backdated when a change of circumstances relates to the award of a disability benefit.

All DWP new entrant work coaches and case managers receive job role specific technical learning, which covers backdating. As changes of circumstances are notified, the Universal Credit system calculates many payments due automatically. Case Managers are supported by coaching and quality assurance.

What discussions she has had with disabled young people, in the context of the development of a child poverty strategy.

The Child Poverty Taskforce, of which the Department of Education Secretary of State is Co-Chair, is building on the wealth of existing evidence and expertise across the UK to develop an ambitious strategy to reduce child poverty. We are listening carefully to the voices of children with disabilities and special educational needs (SEND) who live in poverty, as well as the charities and organisations that represent them. Examples of the engagement we’ve undertaken are events with: Contact, a charity for families with disabled children; ALLFIE, a campaign group focused on including disabled learners in mainstream education; and the Challenging Behaviour Foundation that aims to improve the life opportunities for young people with severe learning disabilities and their families.​The Taskforce recognises that poverty impacts the whole family so, alongside this, a forum of parents and carers has been brought together to input to the Strategy. The approach has been designed to be inclusive and capture the experiences of a broad range of parents, carers and children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.

What estimate her Department has made of the additional costs to families for raising a disabled child.

The DWP pays close attention to the evidence base on the extra costs faced by disabled children, including external academic research but does not endorse a particular external study. For example, Scope’s Disability Price Tag (2023) uses a sensitive economic modelling methodology called the standard of living approach. They state that a family with a disabled child would have to pay £581 a month to have the same standard of living as a family with a non-disabled child. For 1 in 5 families, these costs can exceed £1000 per month. The existing evidence base that uses similar methodologies produce a wide range of estimates of this cost, ranging from £600 to £1,500 per month, reflecting a high degree of uncertainty around the true additional costs faced by families raising a disabled child.