The Benefit Cap (Housing Benefit and Universal Credit) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016

Amendments to the Universal Credit Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016

3.—(1) The Universal Credit Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016(1) are amended in accordance with paragraphs (2) to (6).

(2) In regulation 79 (circumstances where the benefit cap applies)—

(a) in paragraph (1) after “relevant amount” insert “determined under regulation 80A (relevant amount)”; and

(b) omit paragraphs (3) and (4).

(3) After regulation 80(2) (manner of determining total entitlement to welfare benefits) insert—

“(2A) Where the welfare benefit is housing benefit under section 129 of the Contributions and Benefits Act, the amount to be used is nil.”.

(4) After regulation 80 insert—

“Relevant amount

80A.— (1) The relevant amount is determined by dividing the applicable annual limit by 12.

(2) The applicable annual limit is—

(a) £13,400 for a single claimant who is not responsible for a child or qualifying young person;

(b) £20,000 for—

(i) joint claimants;

(ii) a single claimant who is responsible for a child or qualifying young person.”.

(5) In regulation 81(3) (reduction of universal credit) for “applicable under regulation 79(3) (circumstances where the benefit cap applies)” substitute “determined under regulation 80A (relevant amount)”.

(6) In regulation 83(1)(j) (exceptions – entitlement or receipt of certain benefits) after “a claimant” insert “, or a qualifying young person for whom a claimant is responsible,”.

(1)

S.R. 2016 No. 216