DWP benefits claimants moving from England to Scotland 13-week rule, Digi Mart USA News (United Kingdom): The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed that claimants in England who move to Scotland will continue to be paid benefits for 13 weeks before having to make a new claim to Social Security Scotland, according to a publisher report.
The confirmation followed a question from Scott Arthur MP in the House of Commons about steps being taken to improve the relationship between the social security systems in England and Scotland. Labour Party cabinet member Andrew Western responded on behalf of the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.
Western said DWP and Social Security Scotland have a close, ongoing working relationship built around supporting shared customers across two systems. DWP service delivery staff signpost claimants to Social Security Scotland for devolved benefits, and both organizations collaborate through regular forums, joint working groups and a dedicated DWP liaison unit.
Describing the 13-week rule, Western said the agencies share information and data to support customers receiving benefits from both governments. When someone moves from one jurisdiction to the other, the customer continues to receive the relevant benefit for up to 13 weeks from the date of the move, allowing time to make a new claim with either DWP or Social Security Scotland as appropriate.
Western also addressed youth employment, noting that around one million young people in the UK are not in education, employment or training. He said the UK government is investing an additional £2.5 billion by 2029 into the Youth Guarantee across Great Britain and the Growth and Skills Levy in England, with Barnett consequentials for the Scottish Government.
According to the response, the investment includes the expansion of Youth Hubs to more than 360 locations across Great Britain by March 2029 and earlier intensive support through the Youth Guarantee Gateway. Every young person on Universal Credit looking for work will receive tailored support from their first Jobcentre appointment.
The government also cited the £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant and the Jobs Guarantee scheme, which provides long-term unemployed 18–24-year-olds with a fully funded six-month job. Phase One of the Jobs Guarantee began in April 2026, aiming to deliver over 1,000 job starts across six areas, including Central and East Scotland.
National rollout will cover 25 areas across Great Britain starting from November 2026.
Western added that the government recognizes the participation crisis outlined in Alan Milburn’s interim report and will use it to continue building its reforms, with final recommendations expected in the autumn.
