Petitions/Allow UC claimants with start-up-businesses to receive payments for 3 years
StatusOngoing
Opened12 Mar 2026
Closes
Government response
Parliamentary debateNot eligible
Milestones

Change the law to allow people on Universal Credit who start and run a business to continue to receive payments for 3 years. This could give them time to build income and stability before benefits are reduced. This could encourage self-employment, growth, and independence from Universal Credit.

Currently, people on Universal Credit risk losing benefits after 12 months, making it difficult for many to move forward. A 3-year grace period could let them build sustainable businesses, increase confidence, and create future jobs. Many may later leave Universal Credit altogether, saving money long-term and giving people real opportunities to succeed.

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Constituency engagement ranking

Ms Diane Abbott
1Ms Diane Abbott MP
Hackney North and Stoke Newington
113
Mr David Lammy
2Mr David Lammy MP
Tottenham
26
Rebecca Harris
3Rebecca Harris MP
Castle Point
17
Rebecca Long Bailey
4Rebecca Long Bailey MP
Salford
15
Sarah Sackman
5Sarah Sackman MP
Finchley and Golders Green
11
Sir Jeremy Hunt
6Sir Jeremy Hunt MP
Godalming and Ash
10
Christian Wakeford
7Christian Wakeford MP
Bury South
8
Shabana Mahmood
8Shabana Mahmood MP
Birmingham Ladywood
3
Pam Cox
9Pam Cox MP
Colchester
2
Lucy Powell
10Lucy Powell MP
Manchester Central
2