The Universal Credit Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016

Amount of reduction N.I.

Amount of reduction for each assessment period N.I.

107.—(1) Where it has been determined that an award of universal credit is to be reduced under Article 31 or 32 of the Order (higher-level or other sanctions), the amount of the reduction for each assessment period in respect of which a reduction has effect is to be calculated as follows.

Step 1

Take the number of days—

(a) in the assessment period; or

(b) if lower, in the total outstanding reduction period,

and deduct any days in that assessment period for which the reduction is suspended in accordance with regulation 105 (suspension of a reduction where fraud penalty applies).

Step 2

Multiply the number of days produced by step 1 by the daily reduction rate (see regulation 108).

Step 3

If necessary, adjust the amount produced by step 2 so that it does not exceed—

(c) the amount of the standard allowance applicable to the award; or

(d) in the case of a joint claim where a determination under Article 31 or 32 of the Order (higher-level or other sanctions) applies only in relation to one claimant, half the amount of that standard allowance.

Step 4

Deduct the amount produced by steps 2 and 3 from the amount of the award for the assessment period after any deduction has been made in accordance with Part 7 (the benefit cap).

Daily reduction rate N.I.

108.—(1) The daily reduction rate for the purposes of regulation 107 (amount of reduction for each assessment period) is, unless paragraph (2) or (3) applies, an amount equal to the amount of the standard allowance that is applicable to the award multiplied by 12 and divided by 365.

(2) The daily reduction rate is 40% of the rate set out in paragraph (1) if, at the end of the assessment period—

(a) the claimant is aged 16 or 17,

(b) the claimant falls within Article 24 of the Order (claimants subject to no work-related requirements) by virtue of —

(i) paragraph (2)(c) of that Article (responsible carer for a child under the age of 1), or

(ii) regulation 88(1)(c), (d) or (f) (claimant within 11 weeks before, or 15 weeks after confinement, adopter or responsible foster parent of a child under the age of 1), or

(c) the claimant falls within Article 25 (claimants subject to work-focused interview requirement only).

(3) The daily reduction rate is nil if, at the end of the assessment period, the claimant falls within Article 24 of the Order by virtue of having limited capability for work and work-related activity.

(4) The amount of the rate in paragraphs (1) and (2) is to be rounded down to the nearest 10 pence.

(5) In the case of joint claimants—

(a) each joint claimant is considered individually for the purpose of determining the rate applicable under paragraphs (1) to (3), and

(b) half of any applicable rate is applied to each joint claimant accordingly.