How benefits processes are becoming debt recovery tools

Written By Joe Tomlinson

Title: The Social Security System as a 'Debt Recovery Tool': A Typology of Deductions from Universal Credit

Abstract: Nearly half of households receiving Universal Credit are experiencing a 'deduction' from their award. These 2.7 million households lose a portion of their benefits to pay costs owed to the government and/or a third party. Despite its widespread application, the law underpinning this regime has not been closely examined. Drawing on an analysis of the underpinning legislation, case law and decisionmaker guidance, this article identifies and analyses a six-fold typology of'deductions' in social security law: loans, corrective, punitive, essentials, renting, and duties deductions. In doing so, it provides a framework for future research and legal analysis of the UC deductions regime.

Author: Izzie Salter

Publication: Journal of Social Security Law

Link to paper: here.

Joe Tomlinson
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