Testing times: Universal credit and the habitual residence test

Article

Non-UK citizens and UK citizens returning from living abroad face different barriers to making a claim to universal credit to others living in the UK. They are often required to pass a habitual residence test to establish their eligibility for universal credit.

Considering the importance of the habitual residence test for those individuals affected, very little research has been conducted into how this test operates in practice and whether it is working as intended. Further, the government has released no statistics on the operation of the habitual residence test in regard to universal credit and has refused numerous requests for information from both the public and parliamentarians on costs grounds. As such, this aspect of universal credit decision-making is shrouded in secrecy.

This research was commissioned by Islington Council following concerns that local residents were experiencing issues with the habitual residence test, which resulted in them being incorrectly denied benefits or facing significant delays to their entitlements. This report intends to ‘lift the lid’ on this aspect of UC, with a focus on Islington residents and particularly EEA citizens, though findings are likely relevant for the UK as a whole.

Related items

  1. A wide shot of several large commercial vessels, including oil tankers and a survey boat, floating on turquoise water. In the background, an industrial shoreline with numerous smokestacks and refinery infrastructure is visible under a cloudy sky. Concept of global logistics, maritime industry, and international trade.

    Price caps and economic stability: How to manage the Iran war energy shock?

    The Iran war energy shock will impose significant costs on the UK economy, even if the government does not offer a universal support package.

  2. The political trust crisis: Why local democracy must start listening again

    A troubling reality hangs over May’s local elections: trust in politics has collapsed.
  3. Close Up Of Female Care Worker In Uniform Holding Hands Of Senior Man Sitting In Care Home Lounge

    Putting cardiovascular disease at the heart of policymaking: Learning from research in the devolved nations

    Deaths from heart attacks and strokes have halved since the 1960s and people living with these conditions have seen remarkable improvements in managing and treating them. But now progress is stalling.