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Universal Credit: Candidates

Asked by Graeme DownieLabourDepartment for Work and PensionsTabled Answered 19 November 2025UIN 89361

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what guidance his Department has issued on whether people on Universal Credit are entitled to raise funds for the purpose of standing for election.

Answered by Sir Stephen Timms

Funding received and managed by local and national political parties would not be taken into account in assessing an individual’s entitlement for Universal Credit (UC). Money received personally by an individual, including for their political purposes, is generally treated as capital in UC, and can affect eligibility and payment amounts if a customer’s total capital exceeds £6,000. There are no plans to review these rules.

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