The Social Security (Recovery of Benefits) (Northern Ireland) Order 1997

“The relevant period”N.I.

5.—(1) In relation to a person ( “the claimant”) who has suffered any accident, injury or disease, “the relevant period” has the meaning given by the following paragraphs.

(2) Subject to paragraph (4), if it is a case of accident or injury, the relevant period is the period of five years from the day on which the accident or injury in question occurred.

(3) Subject to paragraph (4), if it is a case of disease, the relevant period is the period of five years beginning with (and including) the date on which the claimant first claims a listed benefit in consequence of the disease.

(4) If at any time before the end of the period referred to in paragraph (2) or (3)—

(a)a person makes a compensation payment in final discharge of any claim made by or in respect of the claimant and arising out of the accident, injury or disease, or

(b)an agreement is made under which an earlier compensation payment is treated as having been made in final discharge of any such claim,

the relevant period ends at that time.