Research and analysis

Universal Credit Full Service Omnibus Survey findings

This report presents findings from a tracking survey of Universal Credit (UC) claimants who made their claim using full service.

Documents

Universal Credit Full Service Omnibus Survey: findings from four waves of tracking research with recent Universal Credit full service claimants

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Details

The aim of this research is to examine how well new claimants understand the Universal Credit (UC) claim process and their rights and responsibilities with a view to meeting their information needs.  

Research background 

There have been four waves of these surveys. This report contains findings for waves 3 and 4. The wave 3 survey interviewed 836 new claimants during February and March 2019. Wave 4 took place during 28 February and 15 March 2020 and interviewed 2,033 different UC claimants. 

The research focuses on the following aspects of UC:  

  • the initial claim process including knowing how to apply for an advance 

  • the work allowance and taper rate 

  • conditionality and sanctions 

  • use of formal childcare and applying for help with childcare costs 

  • knowledge of how to apply for housing costs as part of UC.  

  • contribution to the evidence base  

This research contributes to the body of evidence on UC that can be used to inform Policy and Programme decisions in the future.  

Research value 

Findings from this research will help inform UC policy decisions by allowing the department to understand claimants’ information needs.

ISBN: 978-1-78659-731-1

Report number: RR 1078

Updates to this page

Published 7 October 2024
Last updated 20 December 2024 + show all updates
  1. This page has been updated to correct data errors. In table 10, the result for "£500 or higher" has been changed from 6% to 37%. In table 12, 28% has been added for "I was worried I wouldn't be able to pay it back" as this was previously missing. In table 9, the base size has been changed from 92,033 to 2,033.

  2. First published.

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