Social Inequalities

Question 1

What were the 6 benefits replaced by universal credit

Answer 1

1. Employment Support Allowance (ESA)

2. Child Tax Credit, 3. Housing Benefit, 4. Job Seekers Allowance (JSA), 5. Working tax credit, 6. income support

Question 2

How many people are currently claiming Universal Credit in the UK?

Answer 2

5.2 million people

Question 3

Why was Universal Credit introduced?

Answer 3

It was introduced to simplify the benefits system. It was said to be easier for claimants rather than having to apply and claim many different benefits. There has been no evidence to prove this has worked

Question 4

How do is Universal Credit claimed and what is the problem with claiming it this way.

Answer 4

You must claim it online.
This causes problems as not everyone can access the internet.
It can be really complicated to do for those who are lacking in IT skills

Question 5

How long does it take for your Universal Credit claim to be processed?

Answer 5

It takes 5 weeks which has been reduced from 6 weeks although during lockdowns due to Covid-19 this was reduced again to 1 week

Question 6

What is the problem with having to wait so long to get your benefits claim?

Answer 6

During this time many people have no income meaning they have to rely on places such as food banks.

Question 7

What is the benefit cap for a couple

Answer 7

£20,000 a year or £384.63 a week

Question 8

What is the benefit cap for a single person?

Answer 8

£13400 a year or £257.69 a week

Question 9

What is the problem with Housing Benefits now being part of Universal Credit?

Answer 9

Housing Benefits now get paid to the tenant rather than to landlord. This is a problem because people are now using this money for other necessities such as food. This means they aren’t paying rent which can lead to eviction

Question 10

What percentage of rent is unpaid by UC claimants in the 1st week?

Answer 10

30% percent of rent is unpaid by UC claimants in the 1st week

Question 11

Why was Uk Child Benefit put in place?

Answer 11

It was put in place to ensure a child’s needs are being met

Question 12

When is Child Benefit payed from?

Answer 12

The 29th week of pregnancy

Question 13

How much is payed for Child Benefit ?

Answer 13

In 2021, £21.15 is paid for your first child a week and £14 for every other child in child benefits

Question 14

For how long is child benefit paid for?

Answer 14

Child benefit is paid up to the age of 16 unless the child is in full-time education

Question 15

UK Child Benefit is means tested. What does this mean?

Answer 15

It means that a person is assessed an how much of a certain benefit they need. In this case Child benefit is reduced if one parent earns £50,000 or more & is stopped if 1 parent earns more than £60,000

Question 16

Who receives Scottish Child Payment and does it affect any other benefits ?

Answer 16

Scottish claimants of Universal Credit only. It doesn’t affect any other UK or Scottish benefits

Question 17

How much is paid for Scottish Child Payment ?

Answer 17

£10 pounds per week of Scottish Child Payment is paid for each child under the age of 6 in your care. This is set to double in 2022

Question 18

If 2 people care for the same child they can both claim Scottish Child Payment.
True or false

Answer 18

False only one person can claim per child

Question 19

What is the difference between absolute and relative poverty?

Answer 19

Absolute poverty is where someone cannot afford the essentials for life whereas relative poverty is where people can mainly afford bare necessities but can’t afford things that society thinks you should have such as certain household goods (fridge, beds, phone etc.) toys and books

Question 20

Provide 2 piece of evidence to show wealth inequality in the UK

Answer 20

• According to the Equality Trust thinktank, the 100 wealthiest people in the UK today have as much as the poorest 18 million. This inequality costs the UK more than £39 billion through its impact on health, wellbeing and crime.
• In 2011, the incomes of the wealthiest 10% in the uk earned 12 times the amount of the poorest 10%

Question 21

How many people in the UK are estimated to be living in poverty and how does this number breakdown ?

Answer 21

An estimated 14.3 million people are estimated to be living poverty in the UK.
8.3 million of this number are working age adults, 4.6 million ate children & 1.3 million are of pension age