Universal Credit will be introduced on a phased basis in Northern Ireland from Wednesday 27 September 2017.
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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.
Notes to editors:
- Universal Credit (UC) will be introduced in Northern Ireland in September 2017 under the Welfare Reform (NI) Order 2015
- UC will be on a phased geographical basis by post code aligned to Jobs & Benefits Office locations. More information on the rollout timetable is available on nidirect
- When fully rolled out, it is estimated 312,000 households will be impacted by Universal Credit. It is estimated that in the first year after introduction, there will be around 25,000 new awards to Universal Credit. All estimates are approximate and subject to change
- Provisions will be made available for existing claimants affected by the introduction of Universal Credit when they move on to it
- There will also be flexibilities in relation to payments for Northern Ireland claimants, with twice monthly payments the default option. This will closely reflect the frequency of current benefit payments and is intended to offer assistance in managing household finances
- There will be a dedicated Universal Credit telephone line for claimants, 0300 123 3017 – this will be operational from 27 September 2017
- The rollout of Universal Credit is being supported by a comprehensive programme of communications. As well as an advertising campaign, claimants have been kept informed via posters and updates in local offices and information online. Information workshops have also been held for the advice sector, local representatives and other stakeholders. The advice sector have also been fully engaged with on the introduction of Universal Credit
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