Universal Credit is a reserved benefit designed to support people of working age who are on a low income or out of work. It replaces six existing benefits, including Housing Benefit, and is being rolled out on a phased basis.
The Scotland Act 2016 gives Scottish Government Ministers regulation making powers to vary the housing element (for rented accommodation) of Universal Credit along with powers to vary how Universal Credit is paid. This briefing provides background to Universal Credit and information on the powers relating to Universal Credit in the Scotland Act 2016.
This is part of a series of SPICe briefings on the social security powers that will be devolved by the Scotland Act 2016.
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