Universal simplicity? The alleged simplicity of Universal Credit from administrative and claimant perspectives

What is it about?

A key aim of Universal Credit is to simplify the social security system. Whilst several aspects of its introduction have been criticised, the overarching aim of simplicity continues to receive acceptance and support. Drawing on two studies with means-tested benefit claimants, we look at the idea of ‘simplicity’ as a feature of social security design. We argue that simplicity must be understood in terms of perspective. Using our two studies, we suggest that claims of simplicity can often be justified from an administrative perspective but are not experienced as such from the perspective of claimants, who instead can face greater responsibility for managing complexity under the Universal Credit system.

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