Work and the welfare system

The research was commissioned to help DWP implement Universal Credit by providing detailed information on views and attitudes to work, internet use and budgeting skills among a representative sample of claimants who would be impacted by the transition to Universal Credit.

Understanding the transition to Universal Credit

Ipsos conducted a survey with 5,529 benefit or tax credit claimants to explore attitudes to work, internet use and budgeting skills among those who will be impacted by the transition to Universal Credit. The survey fieldwork took place in 4,315 households between June and August 2011. Interviews were conducted with 4,280 main claimants and 1,249 partners of main claimants.

The finding of the research will help the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) improve and target their services across three key strands of change to the current welfare system; namely the extension of work related requirements, the desire for claimants to use online services, and the move to a single, monthly household payment.

The research will also inform communications surrounding transition to Universal Credit and the development of appropriate strategies for differently affected customer groups.

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