You reap what you code: universal credit, digitalisation and the rule of law

Universal credit (UC) is the UK’s first digital-by-design benefit. The vast majority of UC claimants make their claims and manage their ongoing awards online, and some processes for calculating awards have been automated, including gathering employees’ earnings information directly from HM Revenue and Customs. What has been the impact of this major change in social security administration? And has this digitalisation of means-tested benefits been implemented in a way that adheres to the rule of law?

By Rosie Mears

Description: You reap what you code: universal credit, digitalisation and the rule of law

This content was last updated:01 Jun 2023

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You reap what you code: universal credit, digitalisation and the rule of law

The vast majority of UC claimants make their claims and manage their ongoing awards online, and some processes for calculating awards have been automated. What has been the impact of this major change in social security administration? And has this digitalisation of means-tested benefits been implemented in a way that adheres to the rule of law?

By Rosie Mears

Issue: Issue 175 (June 2023)

Povertyuniversal creditdigitalisation

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Please be aware that welfare rights law and guidance change frequently. Older articles may be out of date.

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Publication:Poverty Journal, Issue 175 (June 2023)

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You reap what you code: universal credit, digitalisation and the rule of law

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