Menu
24/05/2023
Alliance Calls For Urgent Action To Resolve Benefit Delays
The Alliance Party has warned that without further investment in the Department for Communities, people being processed through 'Move to UC' could potentially face up to 8 weeks without benefits.
This comes following concerns raised by advisors and benefit claimants themselves about how many would struggle to cope financially if payments were delayed during the migration of legacy benefit claimants onto Universal Credit.
Communities spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA, said: "This is greatly concerning and something which, if not addressed, stands to impact some of the most vulnerable in our society who, frankly, could do without the worry and stress it is already causing.
"Treasury provides extra investment into Westminster's Department for Work and Pensions to manage the number of people moving from legacy benefits to UC. However, no such allowance is provided for Northern Ireland.
"Unless the Department for Communities receives an allocation of funds for more staff to be employed, to manage Move to UC, there simply won't be enough people to process applications. It has been highlighted to all parties that without investment, the normal 5 week wait could extend to 6, 7 or even 8 weeks.
"For those who are already struggling to cope with the cost of living crisis, two months without benefits could prove catastrophic and we must not allow it to happen.
"It's unconscionable that the DUP is continuing to block the restoration of the institutions and prevent ministerial direction being given. I would urge them to re-consider their priorities, end their boycott, and get back to work so this, and other vital issues, can be looked into."
This comes following concerns raised by advisors and benefit claimants themselves about how many would struggle to cope financially if payments were delayed during the migration of legacy benefit claimants onto Universal Credit.
Communities spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA, said: "This is greatly concerning and something which, if not addressed, stands to impact some of the most vulnerable in our society who, frankly, could do without the worry and stress it is already causing.
"Treasury provides extra investment into Westminster's Department for Work and Pensions to manage the number of people moving from legacy benefits to UC. However, no such allowance is provided for Northern Ireland.
"Unless the Department for Communities receives an allocation of funds for more staff to be employed, to manage Move to UC, there simply won't be enough people to process applications. It has been highlighted to all parties that without investment, the normal 5 week wait could extend to 6, 7 or even 8 weeks.
"For those who are already struggling to cope with the cost of living crisis, two months without benefits could prove catastrophic and we must not allow it to happen.
"It's unconscionable that the DUP is continuing to block the restoration of the institutions and prevent ministerial direction being given. I would urge them to re-consider their priorities, end their boycott, and get back to work so this, and other vital issues, can be looked into."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 October 2011
Benefit Frauds 'Jailed' For False Claims
Three benefit frauds from across NI have been handed down gaol sentences for defrauding the Government of money to which they were not entitled. James Logue (45) of Main Street, Castlederg was convicted at Strabane Magistrates' court after he claimed Housing Benefit totalling £2,057 by making a false statement of occupation.
Benefit Frauds 'Jailed' For False Claims
Three benefit frauds from across NI have been handed down gaol sentences for defrauding the Government of money to which they were not entitled. James Logue (45) of Main Street, Castlederg was convicted at Strabane Magistrates' court after he claimed Housing Benefit totalling £2,057 by making a false statement of occupation.
16 October 2008
Thousands Aided By Benefit Take-Up Campaign
Thousands of people in NI are now likely to be better off after being offered a full benefit assessment to identify additional benefits they should be claiming.
Thousands Aided By Benefit Take-Up Campaign
Thousands of people in NI are now likely to be better off after being offered a full benefit assessment to identify additional benefits they should be claiming.
27 November 2024
PSNI Expands Child Protection Campaign To Belfast
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has expanded its 'Operation Makesafe' campaign to Belfast. The initiative aims to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation and empower communities to protect children.
PSNI Expands Child Protection Campaign To Belfast
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has expanded its 'Operation Makesafe' campaign to Belfast. The initiative aims to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation and empower communities to protect children.
14 May 2024
Next Phase Of Ongoing 'Move To UC' Scheme Underway
The Department for Communities (DfC) has announced that the next phase of the ongoing 'Move To UC' has gotten underway this week for people receiving tax credits along with housing benefit. This stage of Universal Credit implementation will be followed over the coming months by moves for those still in receipt of other benefits and tax credits.
Next Phase Of Ongoing 'Move To UC' Scheme Underway
The Department for Communities (DfC) has announced that the next phase of the ongoing 'Move To UC' has gotten underway this week for people receiving tax credits along with housing benefit. This stage of Universal Credit implementation will be followed over the coming months by moves for those still in receipt of other benefits and tax credits.
23 March 2023
Latest Universal Credit Implementation Set To Get Underway
The next phase in the ongoing implementation of Universal Credit (UC) in Northern Ireland will be launched next month, with a 'discovery exercise' in both a rural and urban location. Universal Credit has been in place since September 2017 for all new claims.
Latest Universal Credit Implementation Set To Get Underway
The next phase in the ongoing implementation of Universal Credit (UC) in Northern Ireland will be launched next month, with a 'discovery exercise' in both a rural and urban location. Universal Credit has been in place since September 2017 for all new claims.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
