The new plans would see claimants attend an intensive two week programme with a work coach to try and get them back into employment. Currently, meetings between claimants and work coaches happen once a week for the first three months and then every two weeks after that. The Times reports that it could cost someone on Universal Credit £334.91 per month, or £1,004. Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride told MPs in each area that certain people on Universal Credit were exempt from the programme. Payment windows will be broadly as follows:£301 – First 2023/24 Cost of Living Payment – during Spring 2023£150 – 2023 Disability Payment – during Summer 2023£300 – Second 2023/24 Cost of Living Payment – during Autumn 2023£300 – 2023 Pensioner Payment – during Winter 2023/4£299 – Third 2023/24 Cost of Living Payment – during Spring 2024

Source: The Times February 18, 2023 17:35 UTC