Consultation on benefit waiting days

We have submitted our response to the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) enquiry into government proposals to extend the number of benefit waiting days from three to seven.

NAWRA has strongly condemned the proposal, stating that the change would impact disproportionately on disabled people and those who have not been in regular employment. It will be another cut to those who have already been adversely affected by a string of welfare reforms including restrictions to local housing allowance, the bedroom tax, benefit cap, the introduction of PIP and cuts to tax credits. Further, it will make it harder for people to find work as they are left without basic resources.

The government’s supposed aim is to encourage and support people into work. NAWRA fails to see how taking away the resources necessary for a basic living can in any way support people into work. The proposal as stated will lead to:

  • Increased stress and ill-health for claimants
  • Claimants and their families having to go without food or heating
  • Increased rent arrears
  • Increased reliance on foodbanks which are already stretched
  • Increased use of loan sharks and pay day loans
  • Reduced ability to find work or move back towards work

The full text of our response can be downloaded from the resources area of the website (direct link).