Universal Credit Phased Roll Out Begins in Northern Ireland

Universal Credit will be introduced on a phased basis in Northern Ireland from Wednesday 27 September 2017. Universal Credit replaces six existing benefits with one. It is for people aged 18 to State Pension age and aims to remove many of the barriers to work which exist in the current welfare system. It will be introduced gradually across Northern Ireland in the period from September 2017 to September 2018. New claimants from the Limavady area will be the first to claim Universal Credit. People already claiming the existing benefits will not be affected until 2019, unless their entitlement changes.

The new benefit payment will support claimants in being able to start and progress in work and earn more without losing their benefits, while ensuring those who cannot work continue to receive the financial support they need. It includes support for the cost of housing, children and childcare, as well as particular help for parents, who will be able to claim back up to 85% of their registered childcare costs each month.

Denis McMahon, Deputy Secretary of Work and Inclusion Group, DfC, explained: “The introduction of Universal Credit is another stage of the Department’s work to implement the NI Executive’s decisions on welfare changes. It is a significant change to the way the benefit system works in Northern Ireland, and our phased approach aims to give the best possible support to claimants as they get used to the new system.”

Explaining how the new system will work, Dr McMahon explained: “Instead of individuals having to fill in multiple forms and managing several claims, they will claim the single benefit of Universal Credit online. This will simplify the claims process, with digital support available for those who need it. They will be able to claim using a PC, tablet or mobile phone. As it rolls out in areas, local offices will have a Digital Zone with PCs and free Wifi which claimants can use to access their online account, with staff available to provide help and support.”

Universal Credit replaces Jobseeker's Allowance (income based), Employment Support Allowance (income-related), Income Support, Housing Benefit (rental), Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credits for people aged over 18 and under State Pension age.

Existing claimants will transfer to Universal Credit between July 2019 and March 2022. Some claimants will naturally move to Universal Credit earlier, where their circumstances have changed.

As Universal Credit is rolled out claimants can discuss their personal circumstances by calling into their local Job & Benefits Office. Further information on Universal Credit and full details of the roll out are available on the nidirect website: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/universalcredit

Eileen Patterson, Director of Communities at Radius Housing said, "We in Radius are aware that the move to Universal Credit may be a big challenge for many and we will support our tenants through this process in any way we can. Our front line housing staff have been preparing for this roll out of changes to benefits and we have put in place many measures to offer support, advice and assistance. Anyone who needs any help with applying for benefits, or indeed with any issue in relation to their tenancy or home with Radius, should speak to their housing officer or call us on 0330 123 0888."