The Social Security (Adjudication) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995

Notification of decisions in income support cases

55.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) to (4), the decision of an adjudication officer on any claim or question relating to income support shall be notified in writing to the claimant who shall at the same time be notified of his right to request a statement of the reasons for that decision and of his right to appeal to an appeal tribunal.

(2) Where, under arrangements made by the Department, income support is payable together with another benefit under the Contributions and Benefits Act, notice of the aggregate amount so payable shall be notice for the purpose of paragraph (1).

(3) Written notice shall not be required of a determination awarding income support which is implemented by a cash payment where in all the circumstances it would be impracticable to give such a notice.

(4) Written notice shall not be required of a determination terminating entitlement to income support where the reason for the termination is already known to the claimant or it is otherwise reasonable in the circumstances not to give such notice.

(5) In so far as may be practicable, and subject to paragraph (6), where a claimant is notified of a decision under paragraph (1) or (2) the Department shall also give or send him a written notice of assessment showing—

(a) the total amounts of the personal allowances, family premium, other premiums and housing costs determined under Part IV of the Income Support Regulations as are appropriate in his case;

(b) the income taken into account; and

(c) any personal expenses addition, special transitional addition and transitional addition payable under the Income Support (Transitional) Regulations.

(6) Paragraph (5) shall not apply to any determination—

(a) that income support is not payable for any reason other than that the claimant’s income exceeds the applicable amount;

(b) made on review under regulation 63, either under paragraph (2) of that regulation or where in other cases under that regulation the Department considers a written notice of assessment unnecessary;

(c) in respect of a claimant to whom section 126 of the Contributions and Benefits Act applies.

(7) Where, within the time limited by regulation 3 and Schedule 2 for the bringing of an appeal against an adjudication officer’s decision, the claimant requests a statement of the reasons for that decision he shall be given such a statement in writing and shall again be informed of his right of appeal.