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'Definition of lifestyle choice to sit on out of work benefits'.
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Website: www.dwp.gov.uk
Don Paskini |
Your Reference: |
|
Our Ref: FoI 2498 |
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Date: 29 September 2010 |
Dear Don Paskini
Thank you for your Freedom of Information request of 13 September 2010. You asked:-
What definition does the Department of Work and Pensions use to determine whether someone has "made the lifestyle choice" to "sit on out-of-work benefits"?
Who is responsible for deciding whether or not someone has made the lifestyle choice to sit on out-of-work benefits?
How many people are currently "making the lifestyle choice to sit on out-of-work benefits"?
How long does the Department estimate it will take to ensure that the money will not be there to fund this "lifestyle choice"?
The benefits system provides practical help and financial support for people who are unemployed and looking for work. It also provides people with additional income when their earnings are low, if they are bringing up children, are retired, care for someone, are ill or have a disability.
To qualify for a particular benefit an individual must meet the conditions that the government specifies. For example, the conditions for receiving Jobseeker's Allowance are that an individual must be available for, and actively seeking, work. The entitlement conditions for receipt of benefit are set out in the relevant social security regulations for the benefit(s) concerned. There is no condition in regulations that allows someone to receive benefit as a lifestyle choice.
On 30th July 2010 the Government published a consultation document `21st Century Welfare' on the future of the benefit and tax credit system. This paper recognises that the current benefits system does not at present give sufficient consideration to the behaviours it generates and that complexity and poor financial incentives to work are a key factor in trapping people in worklessness.
It sets out a number of proposals for reform that would change people's behaviour and would produce a benefits system that supports the Government's aim of moving everyone who can into work and to ensure that work always pays and is clearly seen to pay.
The Department has been consulting widely on the paper, a copy of which can be accessed at:
If you have any queries about this letter please contact me quoting the reference number above.
Yours sincerely,
DWP Central FoI Team
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