The Housing Benefit Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006

Time and manner of payment

87.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) and regulations 89 to 95 the relevant authority shall pay housing benefit to which a person is entitled under these Regulations at such time and in such manner as is appropriate, having regard to—

(a) the times at which and the frequency with which a person’s liability to make payment of rent or rates arises; and

(b) the reasonable needs and convenience of the person entitled thereto.

(2) Where a person’s entitlement to housing benefit is less than £1 weekly the relevant authority may pay that benefit at 6 monthly intervals.

(3) Subject to regulations 89 to 94, the relevant authority shall make the first payment of any housing benefit awarded by it within 14 days of the receipt of the claim at the designated office or, if that is not reasonably practical, as soon as possible thereafter.