Menu
02/05/2018
Universal Credit To Be Introduced In Downpatrick And Newry
Universal Credit is to be introduced in the Downpatrick and Newry areas from Wednesday, 16 May.
Universal Credit replaces six existing benefits with one and is for people of working age, from 18 until state pension age. It is initially for new claimants in the local area. Those already in receipt of benefits will not be affected by the change until 2019, unless their circumstances happen to change.
Universal Credit has already been rolled out across a number of other areas of Northern Ireland.
David Sales, Universal Credit Programme Director, said: "Universal Credit is a significant change to how benefits are claimed. In order to ensure claimants get the support they need, it is being introduced gradually across Northern Ireland from September 2017. This means we have been able to closely manage and learn from the rollout to date."
As Universal Credit replaces claims for multiple benefits with a single claim, it is simpler to claim and more flexible. It aims to support people into work and to earn more without losing their benefits, while ensuring those who cannot work continue to receive the financial support they need. Claims are made online, with digital support available for those who may need it.
David Sales continued: "Our local staff have undertaken extensive training in preparation for Universal Credit. As it is claimed online, we have also upgraded local offices to provide a digital zone with access to PCs and free wifi. Staff are available to guide new claimants through the process. So far, the vast majority of people have been able to make their online claim without needing additional assistance from our staff."
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.
(MH)
Universal Credit replaces six existing benefits with one and is for people of working age, from 18 until state pension age. It is initially for new claimants in the local area. Those already in receipt of benefits will not be affected by the change until 2019, unless their circumstances happen to change.
Universal Credit has already been rolled out across a number of other areas of Northern Ireland.
David Sales, Universal Credit Programme Director, said: "Universal Credit is a significant change to how benefits are claimed. In order to ensure claimants get the support they need, it is being introduced gradually across Northern Ireland from September 2017. This means we have been able to closely manage and learn from the rollout to date."
As Universal Credit replaces claims for multiple benefits with a single claim, it is simpler to claim and more flexible. It aims to support people into work and to earn more without losing their benefits, while ensuring those who cannot work continue to receive the financial support they need. Claims are made online, with digital support available for those who may need it.
David Sales continued: "Our local staff have undertaken extensive training in preparation for Universal Credit. As it is claimed online, we have also upgraded local offices to provide a digital zone with access to PCs and free wifi. Staff are available to guide new claimants through the process. So far, the vast majority of people have been able to make their online claim without needing additional assistance from our staff."
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.
(MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 November 2024
£17m To Support Pensioners Affected By Winter Fuel Payment Changes
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a £17 million fund to support pensioners who have lost eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment due to recent UK government changes. The one-off £100 payment will be automatically issued to an estimated 250,000 pensioners in around 170,000 households before the end of March 2025.
£17m To Support Pensioners Affected By Winter Fuel Payment Changes
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a £17 million fund to support pensioners who have lost eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment due to recent UK government changes. The one-off £100 payment will be automatically issued to an estimated 250,000 pensioners in around 170,000 households before the end of March 2025.
15 November 2024
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
19 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Boutcher Welcomes Justice Minister's New Budget Plan PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has welcomed the announcement of Justice Minister Naomi Long's new Budget Plan.
Other News In Brief
Boutcher Welcomes Justice Minister's New Budget Plan PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has welcomed the announcement of Justice Minister Naomi Long's new Budget Plan.
19 November 2024
Department Of Health Encourages Self-Care This Winter
The Department of Health is urging people to take steps to care for their health and well-being, especially during the winter months. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt emphasised the importance of self-care, particularly for older adults and individuals with long-term health conditions.
Department Of Health Encourages Self-Care This Winter
The Department of Health is urging people to take steps to care for their health and well-being, especially during the winter months. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt emphasised the importance of self-care, particularly for older adults and individuals with long-term health conditions.
16 April 2024
SDLP Calls For Removal Of Two-Child Universal Credit Limit
Removing the two-child Universal Credit limit would be the most effective way of lifting children out of poverty, SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole MLA has said. He was speaking ahead of an SDLP motion on the party's second Assembly Opposition Day on Tuesday.
SDLP Calls For Removal Of Two-Child Universal Credit Limit
Removing the two-child Universal Credit limit would be the most effective way of lifting children out of poverty, SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole MLA has said. He was speaking ahead of an SDLP motion on the party's second Assembly Opposition Day on Tuesday.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
