The temporary increase of £20 per week introduced last year to recipients of Universal credit, is due to end. The increase did not extend to those receiving legacy benefit such as income related ESA. It is worth an extra £1040 per year.
The increase will end on 6 October despite calls from MPs across all parties to keep the payment in place. Therese Coffey, minister for work and pensions stated that the extra payment was only temporary and to cover extra cost during the pandemic.
For our members on income related ESA, there is a court hearing due at the end of September.
The High Court granted two claimants, who were in receipt of ESA, permission to challenge a decision not to extend the £20 uplift to legacy benefits. There has since been involvement from another two claimants of JSA and Income support.
The case centres on unlawful discrimination between two groups, those on UC and those on legacy benefits.
We will of course keep you informed of the outcome.