Research and analysis

Self-Employed Tax Credit Claimants Research

This report presents the findings of research into the knowledge and attitudes of self-employed Tax Credit claimants regarding Universal Credit.

Documents

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Details

This project explored the knowledge and attitudes of self-employed Tax Credit claimants regarding Universal Credit (UC) in 2021-2022. Phase 1 consisted of a set of qualitative interviews to offer insight into claimants鈥� opinions, feelings, and behaviours towards a move to UC. Phase 2 involved qualitative message testing with current self-employed Tax Credit claimants via focus groups. This provided us with the opportunity to explore claimants鈥� thoughts, feelings and reactions towards different messaging.聽

Research background聽

UC self-employment policy and support offer is different from previous government policy for the self-employed, including existing HMRC policy. As such, ensuring that claimants are well-informed about their move to Universal Credit and what to expect, particularly as a self-employed person, is vital for promoting the best outcomes for people when they move to UC. This research focused on this specific evidence need around self-employed Tax Credit claimants鈥� knowledge and attitudes around UC.听听

Contribution to the evidence base聽聽

This research contributed to the wider evidence base on Move to UC. It provided DWP with insight into a specific group: self-employed Tax Credit claimants鈥� engagement with UC and UC related messaging.聽

Research value聽

The evidence we gathered from this research helped inform the Move to UC process for self-employed Tax Credit claimants. It also supported thinking on the wider Move to UC process, including the Department鈥檚 communication and messaging.

ISBN: 978-1-78659-735-9

Report number: ad hoc RR 101

Updates to this page

Published 7 October 2024

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