Evaluation of the mental health impacts of Universal Credit: protocol for a mixed methods study.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The UK social security system is being transformed by the implementation of Universal Credit (UC), which combines six existing benefits and tax credits into a single payment for low-income households. Despite extensive reports of hardship associated with the introduction of UC, no previous studies have comprehensively evaluated its impact on mental health. Because payments are targeted at low-income households, impacts on mental health will have important consequences for health inequalities.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a mixed methods study. Work package (WP) 1 will compare health outcomes for new recipients of UC with outcomes for legacy benefit recipients in two large population surveys, using the phased rollout of UC as a natural experiment. We will

SUBMITTER: Craig P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8996017 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature