The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order (Northern Ireland) 2012

PART 1 N.I. INTRODUCTION

Citation, commencement and effect N.I.

1.—(1) This Order may be cited as the Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order (Northern Ireland) 2012 and, subject to paragraph (2), shall come into operation for the purposes of—

(a) this Article and Articles 2 and 6 on 1st April 2012;

(b) Article 3—

(i) in so far as it relates to any increase to which Article 6(10)(b) applies, on 1st April 2012, and

(ii) for all other purposes, on 9th April 2012;

(c) Articles 4, 5, 7, 12, 13 and 16 on 9th April 2012;

(d) Article 8, in so far as it relates to a particular beneficiary, on the first day of the first benefit week to commence for that beneficiary on or after 1st April 2012 and, for the purpose of this sub-paragraph, “benefit week” has the same meaning as in regulation 2(1) of the Computation of Earnings Regulations;

(e) Article 9 on 6th April 2012;

(f) Article 10 on 1st April 2012, except for the purpose of determining the rate of maternity allowance in accordance with section 35A(1) of the Contributions and Benefits Act(1) for which purpose it shall come into operation on 9th April 2012;

(g) Article 11 on 1st April 2012;

(h) Articles 14, 15 and 27 on 12th April 2012;

(i) Articles 17 to 19, in so far as they relate to a particular beneficiary, on the first day of the first benefit week to commence for that beneficiary on or after 9th April 2012 and, for the purpose of this sub-paragraph, “benefit week” has the same meaning as in the Income Support Regulations;

(j) Articles 20 and 21, in relation to a case where rent is payable at intervals of a week or any multiple thereof, on 2nd April 2012, and in relation to any other case, on 1st April 2012;

(k) Articles 22 to 24, in so far as they relate to a particular beneficiary—

(i) for the purposes of Article 22(c), in so far as it relates to an increase to which Article 6(10)(b) applies, on 1st April 2012, and

(ii) for all other purposes, on the first day of the first benefit week to commence for that beneficiary on or after 9th April 2012, and for the purposes of this head “benefit week” has the same meaning as in the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations;

(l) Article 25, in so far as it relates to a particular beneficiary, on the first day of the first benefit week to commence for that beneficiary on or after 9th April 2012 and, for the purpose of this sub-paragraph, “benefit week” has the same meaning as in the State Pension Credit Regulations; and

(m) Article 26, in so far as it relates to a particular beneficiary, on the first day of the first benefit week to commence for that beneficiary on or after 9th April 2012 and, for the purpose of this sub-paragraph, “benefit week” has the same meaning as in the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations.

(2) The changes made—

(a) in the sums specified for rates or amounts of benefit under the Contributions and Benefits Act or the Pension Schemes Act; and

(b) by Article 22(c), in so far as it is relevant for the purposes referred to in Article 6(10),

shall take effect for each case on the date specified in relation to that case in Article 6.

Commencement Information

I1 Art. 1 in operation at 1.4.2012, see art. 1(1)(a)

Interpretation N.I.

2.—(1) In this Order—

“the Administration Act” means the Social Security Administration (Northern Ireland) Act 1992;

“the Contributions and Benefits Act” means the Social Security Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992(2);

“the Pension Schemes Act” means the Pension Schemes (Northern Ireland) Act 1993(3);

“the Computation of Earnings Regulations” means the Social Security Benefit (Computation of Earnings) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996(4);

“the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations” means the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008(5);

“the Housing Benefit Regulations” means the Housing Benefit Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006(6);

“the Housing Benefit (SPC) Regulations” means the Housing Benefit (Persons who have attained the qualifying age for State Pension Credit) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006(7);

“the Income Support Regulations” means the Income Support (General) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1987(8);

“the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations” means the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996(9);

“the State Pension Credit Regulations” means the State Pension Credit Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003(10).

(2) Subject to paragraph (3), the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954(11) shall apply to this Order as it applies to an Act of the Assembly.

(3) For the purposes of this Order and notwithstanding section 39(2) of the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954, where a period of time is expressed to begin on, or to be reckoned from, a particular day, that day shall be included in the period.

Commencement Information

I2 Art. 2 in operation at 1.4.2012, see art. 1(1)(a)

PART 2 N.I. SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS AND PENSIONS

Rates or amounts of certain benefits under the Contributions and Benefits Act N.I.

3.—(1) From and including the respective dates specified in Article 6—

(a) the sums specified in paragraph (2) shall be increased; and

(b) the sums specified in paragraph 3(a) and (b) (age related addition – higher and middle rates) of Part III of Schedule 4 to the Contributions and Benefits Act (rates of benefit, etc.) shall be reduced,

so that that Schedule, except paragraph 5 of Part III (guardian’s allowance), has effect as set out in Schedule 1 to this Order.

(2) The sums mentioned in paragraph (1) are the sums specified in Parts I, III, IV and V of Schedule 4 to the Contributions and Benefits Act except, in—

(a) Part III, the sums specified for—

(i) age related addition (higher and middle rates), and

(ii) age addition to a pension of any category, and otherwise under section 79 of that Act;

(b) Part IV, the sums specified in column (2) (increase for qualifying child); and

(c) Part V(12), the sums specified for the increase in disablement pension for dependent children, widow’s pension (initial rate) and death benefit allowance in respect of children and qualifying young persons.

Commencement Information

I3 Art. 3 in operation at 1.4.2012 for specified purposes, see art. 1(1)(b)(i)

I4 Art. 3 in operation at 9.4.2012 in so far as not already in force, see art. 1(1)(b)(ii)

Rates or amounts of certain pensions or allowances under the Contributions and Benefits Act N.I.

4.—(1) The sums specified in paragraphs (2) to (5) shall be increased from and including the respective dates specified in Article 6.

(2) The sums falling to be calculated under paragraph 13(4) of Schedule 7 to the Contributions and Benefits Act (calculation of weekly rate of a beneficiary’s retirement allowance) shall be increased by 5∙2 per cent.

(3) In section 44(4) of the Contributions and Benefits Act(13) (basic pension of Category A retirement pension)—

(a) for “£90∙45” substitute “£95∙15”; and

(b) for “£102∙15” substitute “£107∙45”.

(4) It is directed that the sums which are—

(a) the additional pensions in long-term benefits calculated by reference to any final relevant year earlier than the tax year 2011-12;

(b) the increases in the rates of retirement pensions under Schedule 5 to the Contributions and Benefits Act(14) (pension increase or lump sum where entitlement to retirement pension is deferred);

(c) lump sums to which surviving spouses or civil partners will become entitled under paragraph 7A of that Schedule(15) on becoming entitled to a Category A or Category B retirement pension; and

(d) payable to a pensioner as part of their Category A or Category B retirement pension by virtue of an order made under section 120 of the Social Security (Northern Ireland) Act 1975(16), Article 64 of the Social Security (Northern Ireland) Order 1986(17) or section 132 of the Administration Act,

shall in each case be increased by 5∙2 per cent.

(5) The sums which are shared additional pensions under section 55A of the Contributions and Benefits Act(18), and the sums which are increases in the rates of such pensions under paragraph 2 of Schedule 5A to that Act(19), shall in each case be increased by 5∙2 per cent.

Commencement Information

I5 Art. 4 in operation at 9.4.2012, see art. 1(1)(c)

Rates or amounts of certain benefits under the Pension Schemes Act N.I.

5.—(1) It is directed that the sums specified in paragraph (2) shall be increased from and including the respective dates specified in Article 6.

(2) Sums which are payable by virtue of section 11(1) of the Pension Schemes Act (increase of guaranteed minimum where commencement of guaranteed minimum pension is postponed) to a person who is also entitled to a Category A or Category B retirement pension (including sums payable by virtue of section 13(2) and (3) of that Act(20)) shall be increased by—

(a) 5∙2 per cent. where the increase under section 11(1) is attributable to earnings factors for the tax year 1987-88 and earlier tax years(21); and

(b) 2∙2 per cent. where the increase under section 11(1) is attributable to earnings factors for the tax years 1988-89 to 1996-97 inclusive.

Commencement Information

I6 Art. 5 in operation at 9.4.2012, see art. 1(1)(c)

Dates on which sums specified for rates or amounts of benefit under the Contributions and Benefits Act or the Pension Schemes Act are changed by this Order N.I.

6.—(1) Paragraphs (2) to (9), which are subject to the provisions of paragraph (10), specify the date on which the changes made by this Order in the sums specified for rates or amounts of benefit under the Contributions and Benefits Act or the Pension Schemes Act shall take effect for each case.

(2) Subject to paragraph (3), any increases in the sums mentioned in Articles 3, 4 and 12 for Category A and Category B retirement pension and graduated retirement benefit together with, where appropriate, any increases for dependants, shall take effect on 9th April 2012.

(3) In the case of a person over pensionable age—

(a) whose entitlement to a Category A retirement pension is deferred; and

(b) for whom the rate of short-term incapacity benefit falls to be calculated in accordance with section 30B(3) of the Contributions and Benefits Act(22),

any increases in the sums mentioned in Articles 3, 4 and 12 for Category A and Category B retirement pensions and graduated retirement benefit together with, where appropriate, any increases for dependants, shall take effect on 12th April 2012.

(4) The increases in the sums mentioned in Articles 4(4)(d) and 5(2) shall take effect on 9th April 2012.

(5) Any increases in the sums specified for—

(a) the rates of—

(i) Category C and Category D retirement pensions;

(ii) attendance allowance; and

(iii) carer’s allowance (except in a case where the Department has made arrangements for it to be paid on a Wednesday); and

(b) any increases in—

(i) Category C retirement pension and carer’s allowance referred to in sub-paragraph (a)(i) and (iii), and

(ii) widowed mother’s allowance and widowed parent’s allowance,

in respect of dependants,

shall in all cases take effect on 9th April 2012.

(6) Any increases in the sums specified for—

(a) the rate of—

(i) carer’s allowance in a case where the Department has made arrangements for it to be paid on a Wednesday,

(ii) disablement benefit,

(iii) maximum disablement gratuity under paragraph 9(2) of Schedule 7 to the Contributions and Benefits Act,

(iv) industrial death benefit by way of widow’s and widower’s pension and allowance in respect of children and qualifying young persons,

(v) the maximum of the aggregate of weekly benefit payable for successive accidents under section 107(1) of the Contributions and Benefits Act; and

(b) any increases in—

(i) the benefits referred to in sub-paragraph (a)(i), (iii) and (iv) in respect of dependants, and

(ii) disablement pension,

shall in all cases take effect on 11th April 2012.

(7) In any case where a person’s weekly rate of Category A or Category B retirement pension falls to be increased under the provisions of section 47(1) or 48C(2) of the Contributions and Benefits Act(23), by reference to the weekly rate of invalidity allowance or age addition to long-term incapacity benefit to which he was previously entitled, any increase in such sum shall take effect on 9th April 2012.

(8) The changes in the sums specified for the rate of incapacity benefit and severe disablement allowance together with, where appropriate, any increases for dependants, shall take effect in all cases on 12th April 2012.

(9) The increases in the sums falling to be calculated in accordance with paragraph 13(4) of Schedule 7 to the Contributions and Benefits Act (retirement allowance) shall take effect on 11th April 2012.

(10) Any increases in the sums specified in Articles 3 and 22(c), in so far as those sums are relevant for the purposes of establishing whether the rate of any benefit is not to be increased in respect of an adult dependant because the earnings of the dependant exceed a specified amount, shall take effect—

(a) except in a case where sub-paragraph (b) applies, on the first day of the first benefit week to commence for the beneficiary on or after 9th April 2012;

(b) in a case where regulation 7(b) of the Computation of Earnings Regulations (date on which earnings are treated as paid) applies, on the first day of the first benefit week to commence for the beneficiary on or after 1st April 2012,

and for the purposes of this paragraph “benefit week” has the same meaning as in regulation 2(1) of the Computation of Earnings Regulations.

Commencement Information

I7 Art. 6 in operation at 1.4.2012, see art. 1(1)a)

Workmen’s compensation N.I.

7.  From and including 11th April 2012 for “£55∙55” referred to in paragraph 2(6)(c) of Schedule 8 to the Contributions and Benefits Act(24) (maximum weekly rate of lesser incapacity allowance supplementing workmen’s compensation) substitute “£58∙45”.

Commencement Information

I8 Art. 7 in operation at 9.4.2012, see art. 1(1)(c)

Earnings limits N.I.

8.  In section 80(4) of the Contributions and Benefits Act(25) (earnings limits in respect of child dependency increases)—

(a) in paragraph (a) for “£205” substitute “£215”; and

(b) in paragraph (b) for “£205” and “£27” substitute “£215” and “£28” respectively.

Commencement Information

I9 Art. 8 comes into force in accordance with art. 1(1)(d)

Statutory sick pay N.I.

9.  In section 153(1) of the Contributions and Benefits Act(26) (rate of payment) for “£81∙60” substitute “£85∙85”.

Commencement Information

I10 Art. 9 in operation at 6.4.2012, see art. 1(1)(e)

Statutory maternity pay N.I.

10.  In regulation 6 of the Statutory Maternity Pay (General) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1987(27) (prescribed rate of statutory maternity pay) for “£128∙73” substitute “£135∙45”.

Commencement Information

I11 Art. 10 in operation at 1.4.2012 for specified purposes, see art. 1(1)(f)

I12 Art. 10 in operation at 9.4.2012 in so far as not already in force, see art. 1(1)(f)

Ordinary and additional statutory paternity pay and statutory adoption pay N.I.

11.—(1) In the Statutory Paternity Pay and Statutory Adoption Pay (Weekly Rates) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002(28)—

(a) in regulation 2(a) (weekly rate of payment of statutory paternity pay) for “£128∙73” substitute “£135∙45”; and

(b) in regulation 3(a) (weekly rate of payment of statutory adoption pay) for “£128∙73” substitute “£135∙45”.

(2) In regulation 2(a) of the Additional Statutory Paternity Pay (Weekly Rates) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010(29) (weekly rate of payment of additional statutory paternity pay) for “£128∙73” substitute “£135∙45”.

Commencement Information

I13 Art. 11 in operation at 1.4.2012, see art. 1(1)(g)

Graduated retirement benefit N.I.

12.—(1) In section 35(1) of the National Insurance Act (Northern Ireland) 1966(30) (graduated retirement benefit)—

(a) the sum of 11∙89 pence shall be increased by 5∙2 per cent.; and

(b) the reference in that provision to that sum shall have effect as a reference to 12∙51 pence.

(2) The sums which are the increases of graduated retirement benefit under Schedule 2 to the Social Security (Graduated Retirement Benefit) (No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1978(31) (increases for deferred entitlement to a Category A or Category B retirement pension) shall be increased by 5∙2 per cent.

(3) The sums which are lump sums to which surviving spouses or civil partners will become entitled under Schedule 1 to the Social Security (Graduated Retirement Benefit) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005(32) (increases of graduated retirement benefit and lump sums) shall be increased by 5∙2 per cent.

(4) The sums which are the additions under section 36(1) of the National Insurance Act (Northern Ireland) 1966 (special provision as to graduated retirement benefit for widows and widowers) shall be increased by 5∙2 per cent.

Commencement Information

I14 Art. 12 in operation at 9.4.2012, see art. 1(1)(c)

Disability living allowance N.I.

13.  In regulation 4 of the Social Security (Disability Living Allowance) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1992(33) (rate of benefit)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(a) for “£73∙60” substitute “£77∙45”;

(b) in paragraph (1)(b) for “£49∙30” substitute “£51∙85”;

(c) in paragraph (1)(c) for “£19∙55” substitute “£20∙55”;

(d) in paragraph (2)(a) for “£51∙40” substitute “£54∙05”; and

(e) in paragraph (2)(b) for “£19∙55” substitute “£20∙55”.

Commencement Information

I15 Art. 13 in operation at 9.4.2012, see art. 1(1)(c)

Valid from 12/04/2012

Age addition to long-term incapacity benefit N.I.

14.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), in regulation 9(2) of the Social Security (Incapacity Benefit) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1994(34) (increase in rate of incapacity benefit where beneficiary is under prescribed age on the qualifying date)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (a) for “£19∙25” substitute “£20∙25”; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (b) for “£9∙65” substitute “£10∙15”.

(2) In the case of a claimant entitled to long-term incapacity benefit—

(a) the sum specified in regulation 9(2)(a) shall be reduced to £11∙70; and

(b) the sum specified in regulation 9(2)(b) shall be increased to £5∙90.

Commencement Information

I16 Art. 14 in operation at 12.4.2012, see art. 1(1)(h)

Valid from 12/04/2012

Transitional invalidity allowance in long-term incapacity benefit cases N.I.

15.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), in regulation 18(2) of the Social Security (Incapacity Benefit) (Transitional) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995(35) (rate of long-term incapacity benefit in transitional cases)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (a) for “£19∙25” substitute “£20∙25”;

(b) in sub-paragraph (b) for “£12∙40” substitute “£13∙00”; and

(c) in sub-paragraph (c) for “£6∙20” substitute “£6∙50”.

(2) In the case of a claimant entitled to long-term incapacity benefit—

(a) the sums specified in regulation 18(2)(a) and (b) shall be reduced to £11∙70 and £5∙90 respectively; and

(b) the sum specified in regulation 18(2)(c) shall be increased to £5∙90.

Commencement Information

I17 Art. 15 in operation at 12.4.2012, see art. 1(1)(h)

Bereavement benefits N.I.

16.  In the Rate of Bereavement Benefits Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010(36)—

(a) in regulation 2 (rate of widowed mother’s allowance and widow’s pension) for “£100∙70” substitute “£105∙95”; and

(b) in regulation 3 (rate of widowed parent’s allowance and bereavement allowance) for “£100∙70” substitute “£105∙95”.

Commencement Information

I18 Art. 16 in operation at 9.4.2012, see art. 1(1)(c)

PART 3 N.I. INCOME SUPPORT AND HOUSING BENEFIT

Applicable amounts for income support N.I.

17.—(1) The sums relevant to the calculation of an applicable amount as specified in the Income Support Regulations(37) shall be the sums set out in this Article and Schedules 2 to 4 to this Order; and for this purpose a reference in this Article to a numbered regulation or Schedule is a reference to the regulation of, or Schedule to, the Income Support Regulations bearing that number.

(2) In—

(a) regulations 17(1)(b), 18(1)(c) and 21(1); and

(b) paragraphs 13A(2)(a) and 14(2)(a) of Part III of Schedule 2(38),

the sum specified is in each case £3,000.

(3) The sums specified in Part I of Schedule 2 (applicable amounts: personal allowances) shall be as set out in Schedule 2 to this Order.

(4) In paragraph 3(1) of Part II of Schedule 2(39) (applicable amounts: family premium) the sum of £17∙40, in both places, remains the same.

(5) The sums specified in Part IV of Schedule 2 (applicable amounts: weekly amounts of premiums) shall be as set out in Schedule 3 to this Order.

(6) In paragraph 18 of Schedule 3(40) (housing costs: non-dependant deductions)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (1) for “£60∙60” and “£9∙40” substitute “£73∙85” and “£11∙45” respectively;

(b) in sub-paragraph (2)(a) for “£122∙00” substitute “£124∙00”;

(c) in sub-paragraph (2)(b) for “£122∙00”, “£180∙00” and “£21∙55” substitute “£124∙00”, “£183∙00” and “£26∙25” respectively;

(d) in sub-paragraph (2)(c) for “£180∙00”, “£234∙00” and “£29∙60” substitute “£183∙00”, “£238∙00” and “£36∙10” respectively;

(e) in sub-paragraph (2)(d) for “£234∙00”, “£310∙00” and “£48∙45” substitute “£238∙00”, “£316∙00” and “£59∙05” respectively; and

(f) in sub-paragraph (2)(e) for “£310∙00”, “£387∙00” and “£55∙20” substitute “£316∙00”, “£394∙00” and “£67∙25” respectively.

(7) The sums specified in any provision of the Income Support Regulations set out in column (1) of Schedule 4 to this Order are the sums set out in column (2) of that Schedule.

Commencement Information

I19 Art. 17 comes into force in accordance with art. 1(1)(i)

Income support transitional protection N.I.

18.  The sums which are special transitional additions to income support payable in accordance with regulation 15 of the Income Support (Transitional) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1987(41) shall be increased by 5∙2 per cent.

Commencement Information

I20 Art. 18 comes into force in accordance with art. 1(1)(i)

Relevant sum for income support N.I.

19.  In section 125(7) of the Contributions and Benefits Act(42) (trade disputes) for “£36∙00” substitute “£38∙00”.

Commencement Information

I21 Art. 19 comes into force in accordance with art. 1(1)(i)

Housing benefit N.I.

20.—(1) The sums relevant to the calculation of an applicable amount as specified in the Housing Benefit Regulations shall be the sums set out in this Article and Schedules 5 and 6 to this Order; and for this purpose a reference in this Article to a numbered regulation or Schedule is a reference to the regulation of, or Schedule to, the Housing Benefit Regulations bearing that number.

(2) In regulation 24(3) (calculation of income on a weekly basis) the sums of £175∙00 and £300∙00 remain the same.

(3) In regulation 72(43) (non-dependant deductions)—

(a) in paragraph (1) for “£60∙60”, “£8∙60”, “£9∙40” and “£2∙85” substitute “£73∙85”, “£9∙90”, “£11∙45” and “£3∙30”, respectively; and

(b) in paragraph (2)—

(i) in sub-paragraph (a) for “£122∙00” substitute “£124∙00”,

(ii) in sub-paragraph (b) for “£122∙00”, “£180∙00” and “£21∙55” substitute “£124∙00”, “£183∙00” and “£26∙25” respectively,

(iii) in sub-paragraph (c) for “£180∙00”, “£234∙00” and “£29∙60” substitute “£183∙00”, “£238∙00” and “£36∙10” respectively,

(iv) in sub-paragraph (d) for “£234∙00”, “£310∙00” and “£48∙45” substitute “£238∙00”, “£316∙00” and “£59∙05” respectively,

(v) in sub-paragraph (e) for “£310∙00”, “£387∙00” and “£55∙20” substitute “£316∙00”, “£394∙00” and “£67.25” respectively,

(vi) in sub-paragraph (f) for “£180∙00” substitute “£183∙00”,

(vii) in sub-paragraph (g) for “£180∙00”, “£310∙00” and “£5∙70” substitute “£183∙00”, “£316∙00” and “£6∙55” respectively, and

(viii) in sub-paragraph (h) for “£310∙00”, “£387∙00” and “£7∙20” substitute “£316∙00”, “£394∙00” and “£8∙25” respectively.

(4) In Schedule 1(44) (ineligible service charges)—

(a) in paragraph 2 for “£24∙05”, “£24∙05”, “£12∙15”, “£16∙00”, “£16∙00”, “£8∙05” and “£2∙95” substitute “£25∙30”, “£25∙30”, “£12∙80”, “£16∙85”, “£16∙85”, “£8∙45” and “£3∙10” respectively; and

(b) in paragraph 6(2) for “£21∙55”, “£2∙50”, “£1∙75” and “£2∙50” substitute “£25∙50”, “£2∙95”, “£2∙05” and “£2∙95” respectively.

(5) The sums specified in Part I of Schedule 4 (applicable amounts: personal allowances) shall be as set out in Schedule 5 to this Order.

(6) In paragraph 3(1) of Part II of Schedule 4(45) (applicable amounts: family premium) the sums of £22∙20 and £17∙40 remain the same.

(7) The sums specified in Part IV of Schedule 4 (applicable amounts: amounts of premiums) shall be as set out in Schedule 6 to this Order.

(8) In Part VI of Schedule 4(46) (amount of components)—

(a) in paragraph 25 for “£26∙75” substitute “£28∙15”; and

(b) in paragraph 26 for “£32∙35” substitute “£34∙05”.

(9) In paragraph 17(1) and (3)(c) of Schedule 5(47) (sums to be disregarded in the calculation of earnings) the sum of £17∙10 remains the same.

(10) In paragraph 58 of Schedule 6(48) (sums to be disregarded in the calculation of income other than earnings) the sum of £17∙10 remains the same.

Commencement Information

I22 Art. 20 in operation at 1.4.2012 in so far as not already in force, see art. 1(1)(j)

I23 Art. 20 in operation at 2.4.2012 for specified purposes, see art. 1(1)(j)

Housing benefit for certain persons over the qualifying age for state pension credit N.I.

21.—(1) The sums relevant to the calculation of an applicable amount as specified in the Housing Benefit (SPC) Regulations shall be the sums set out in this Article and Schedules 7 and 8 to this Order; and for this purpose a reference in this Article to a numbered regulation or Schedule is a reference to the regulation of, or Schedule to, the Housing Benefit (SPC) Regulations bearing that number.

(2) In regulation 28(3) (calculation of income on a weekly basis) the sums of £175∙00 and £300∙00 remain the same.

(3) In regulation 53(49) (non-dependant deductions)—

(a) in paragraph (1) for “£60∙60”, “£8∙60”, “£9∙40” and “£2∙85” substitute “£73∙85”, “£9∙90”, “£11∙45” and “£3∙30” respectively; and

(b) in paragraph (2)—

(i) in sub-paragraph (a) for “£122∙00” substitute “£124∙00”,

(ii) in sub-paragraph (b) for “£122∙00”, “£180∙00” and “£21∙55” substitute “£124∙00”, “£183∙00” and “£26∙25” respectively,

(iii) in sub-paragraph (c) for “£180∙00”, “£234∙00” and “£29∙60” substitute “£183∙00”, “£238∙00” and “£36∙10” respectively,

(iv) in sub-paragraph (d) for “£234∙00”, “£310∙00” and “£48∙45” substitute “£238∙00”, “£316∙00” and “£59∙05” respectively,

(v) in sub-paragraph (e) for “£310∙00”, “£387∙00” and “£55∙20” substitute “£316∙00”, “£394∙00” and “£67∙25” respectively,

(vi) in sub-paragraph (f) for “£180∙00” substitute “£183∙00”,

(vii) in sub-paragraph (g) for “£180∙00”, “£310∙00” and “£5∙70” substitute “£183∙00”, “£316∙00” and “£6∙55” respectively, and

(viii) in sub-paragraph (h) for “£310∙00”, “£387∙00” and “£7∙20” substitute “£316∙00”, “£394∙00” and “£8∙25” respectively.

(4) In Schedule 1 (ineligible service charges)—

(a) in paragraph 2(50) for “£24∙05”, “£24∙05”, “£12∙15”, “£16∙00”, “£16∙00”, “£8∙05” and “£2∙95” substitute “£25∙30”, “£25∙30”, “£12∙80”, “£16∙85”, “£16∙85”, “£8∙45” and “£3∙10” respectively; and

(b) in paragraph 6(2) for “£21∙55”, “£2∙50”, “£1∙75” and “£2∙50” substitute “£25∙50”, “£2∙95”, “£2∙05” and “£2∙95” respectively.

(5) The sums specified in Part I of Schedule 4 (applicable amounts: personal allowances) shall be as set out in Schedule 7 to this Order.

(6) In paragraph 3(1) of Part II of Schedule 4(51) (applicable amounts: family premium) the sum of £17∙40 remains the same.

(7) The sums specified in Part IV of Schedule 4 (applicable amounts: amounts of premiums specified in Part III) shall be as set out in Schedule 8 to this Order.

(8) In paragraph 9(1) and (3)(c) of Schedule 5(52) (sums disregarded from claimant’s earnings) the sum of £17∙10 remains the same.

(9) In paragraph 22 of Schedule 6(53) (amounts to be disregarded in the calculation of income other than earnings) the sum of £17∙10 remains the same.

Commencement Information

I24 Art. 21 in operation at 1.4.2012 in so far as not already in force, see art. 1(1)(j)

I25 Art. 21 in operation at 2.4.2012 for specified purposes, see art. 1(1)(j)

PART 4 N.I. JOBSEEKER’S ALLOWANCE

Age-related amounts of contribution-based jobseeker’s allowance N.I.

22.  In regulation 79(1) of the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations(54) (weekly amounts of contribution-based jobseeker’s allowance)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (a) for “£53∙45” substitute “£56∙25”;

(b) in sub-paragraph (b) for “£53∙45” substitute “£56∙25”; and

(c) in sub-paragraph (c) for “£67∙50” substitute “£71∙00”.

Commencement Information

I26 Art. 22(c) in operation at 9.4.2012 in so far as not already in force, see art. 1(1)(k)(ii)

I27 Art. 22 in operation at 1.4.2012 for specified purposes, see art. 1(1)(k)(i)

Applicable amounts for jobseeker’s allowance N.I.

23.—(1) The sums relevant to the calculation of an applicable amount as specified in the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations(55) shall be the sums set out in this Article and Schedules 9 to 12 to this Order; and for this purpose a reference in this Article to a numbered regulation or Schedule is a reference to the regulation of, or Schedule to, the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations bearing that number.

(2) In—

(a) regulations 83(b), 84(1)(c) and 85(1); and

(b) paragraphs 15A(2)(a) and 16(2)(a) of Part III of Schedule 1(56),

the sum specified is in each case £3,000.

(3) The sums specified in Part I of Schedule 1 (applicable amounts: personal allowances) shall be as set out in Schedule 9 to this Order.

(4) In paragraph 4(1) of Part II of Schedule 1(57) (applicable amounts: family premium) the sum of £17∙40, in both places, remains the same.

(5) The sums specified in Part IV of Schedule 1 (applicable amounts: weekly amounts of premiums) shall be as set out in Schedule 10 to this Order.

(6) The sums specified in Part IVB of Schedule 1(58) (applicable amounts: weekly amounts of premiums for joint-claim couples) shall be as set out in Schedule 11 to this Order.

(7) In paragraph 17 of Schedule 2(59) (housing costs: non-dependant deductions)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (1) for “£60∙60” and “£9∙40” substitute “£73∙85” and “£11∙45” respectively;

(b) in sub-paragraph (2)(a) for “£122∙00” substitute “£124∙00”;

(c) in sub-paragraph (2)(b) for “£122∙00”, “£180∙00” and “£21∙55” substitute “£124∙00”, “£183∙00” and “£26∙25” respectively;

(d) in sub-paragraph (2)(c) for “£180∙00”, “£234∙00” and “£29∙60” substitute “£183∙00”, “£238∙00” and “£36∙10” respectively;

(e) in sub-paragraph (2)(d) for “£234∙00”, “£310∙00” and “£48∙45” substitute “£238∙00”, “£316∙00” and “£59∙05” respectively; and

(f) in sub-paragraph (2)(e) for “£310∙00”, “£387∙00” and “£55∙20” substitute “£316∙00”, “£394∙00” and “£67∙25” respectively.

(8) The sums specified in any provision of the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations set out in column (1) of Schedule 12 to this Order are the sums set out in column (2) of that Schedule.

Commencement Information

I28 Art. 23 in operation at 1.4.2012 for specified purposes, see art. 1(1)(k)(ii)

I29 Art. 23 in operation at 9.4.2012 in so far as not already in force, see art. 1(1)(k)(ii)

Prescribed sum for jobseeker’s allowance N.I.

24.  In regulation 170 of the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations(60) (trade disputes: prescribed sum) for “£36∙00” substitute “£38∙00”.

Commencement Information

I30 Art. 24 in operation at 1.4.2012 for specified purposes, see art. 1(1)(k)(ii)

I31 Art. 24 in operation at 9.4.2012 in so far as not already in force, see art. 1(1)(k)(ii)

PART 5 N.I. STATE PENSION CREDIT

State pension credit N.I.

25.—(1) The sums specified in the State Pension Credit Regulations shall be the sums set out in this Article and Schedule 13 to this Order; and for this purpose a reference in this Article to a numbered regulation or Schedule is a reference to the regulation of, or Schedule to, the State Pension Credit Regulations bearing that number.

(2) In regulation 6(61) (amount of the guarantee credit)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(a) for “£209∙70” substitute “£217∙90”;

(b) in paragraph (1)(b) for “£137∙35” substitute “£142∙70”;

(c) in paragraph (5)(a) for “£55∙30” substitute “£58∙20”;

(d) in paragraph (5)(b) for “£110∙60” substitute “£116∙40”; and

(e) in paragraph (8) for “£31∙00” substitute “£32∙60”.

(3) In regulation 7(62) (savings credit)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(a), (b) and (c) “60 per cent.”, “60 per cent.” and “40 per cent.” respectively remain the same; and

(b) in paragraph (2) for “£103∙15” and “£164∙55” substitute “£111∙80” and “£178∙35” respectively.

(4) In paragraph 14 of Schedule 2 (housing costs: persons residing with the claimant)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (1)(63) for “£60∙60” and “£9∙40” substitute “£73∙85” and “£11∙45” respectively;

(b) in sub-paragraph (2)(a)(64) for “£122∙00” substitute “£124∙00”;

(c) in sub-paragraph (2)(b) for “£122∙00”, “£180∙00” and “£21∙55” substitute “£124∙00”, “£183∙00” and “£26∙25” respectively;

(d) in sub-paragraph (2)(c) for “£180∙00”, “£234∙00” and “£29∙60” substitute “£183∙00”, “£238∙00” and “£36∙10” respectively;

(e) in sub-paragraph (2)(d) for “£234∙00”, “£310∙00” and “£48∙45” substitute “£238∙00”, “£316∙00” and “£59∙05” respectively; and

(f) in sub-paragraph (2)(e) for “£310∙00”, “£387∙00” and “£55∙20” substitute “£316∙00”, “£394∙00” and “£67∙25” respectively.

(5) In paragraph 1 of Schedule 3(65) (special groups: polygamous marriages)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (5), which substitutes regulation 6(1), for “£209∙70” and “£72∙35” substitute “£217∙90” and “£75∙20” respectively; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (7), which substitutes regulation 7(2), for “£164∙55” substitute “£178∙35”.

(6) The sums specified in any provision of the State Pension Credit Regulations set out in column (1) of Schedule 13 to this Order are the sums set out in column (2) of that Schedule.

Commencement Information

I32 Art. 25 comes into force in accordance with art. 1(1)(l)

PART 6 N.I. EMPLOYMENT AND SUPPORT ALLOWANCE

Applicable amounts for employment and support allowance N.I.

26.—(1) The sums relevant to the calculation of an applicable amount as specified in the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations shall be the sums set out in this Article and Schedules 14 to 16 to this Order; and for this purpose a reference in this Article to a numbered Schedule is a reference to the Schedule to the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations bearing that number.

(2) The sums specified in Part 1 of Schedule 4 (prescribed amounts) shall be as set out in Schedule 14 to this Order.

(3) The sums specified in Part 3 of Schedule 4 (weekly amount of premiums specified in Part 2) shall be as set out in Schedule 15 to this Order.

(4) In Part 4 of Schedule 4(66) (the components)—

(a) in paragraph 12 for “£26∙75” substitute “£28∙15”; and

(b) in paragraph 13 for “£32∙35” substitute “£34∙05”.

(5) In paragraph 19 of Schedule 6(67) (housing costs: non-dependant deductions)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (1) for “£60∙60” and “£9∙40” substitute “£73∙85” and “£11∙45” respectively;

(b) in sub-paragraph (2)(a) for “£122∙00” substitute “£124∙00”;

(c) in sub-paragraph (2)(b) for “£122∙00”, “£180∙00” and “£21.55” substitute “£124∙00”, “£183∙00” and “£26∙25” respectively;

(d) in sub-paragraph (2)(c) for “£180∙00”, “£234∙00” and “£29∙60” substitute “£183∙00”, “£238∙00” and “£36∙10” respectively;

(e) in sub-paragraph (2)(d) for “£234∙00”, “£310∙00” and “£48∙45” substitute “£238∙00”, “£316∙00” and “£59∙05” respectively; and

(f) in sub-paragraph (2)(e) for “£310∙00”, “£387∙00” and “£55∙20” substitute “£316∙00”, “£394∙00” and “£67∙25” respectively.

(6) The sums specified in any provision of the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations set out in column (1) of Schedule 16 to this Order are the sums set out in column (2) of that Schedule.

Commencement Information

I33 Art. 26 comes into force in accordance with art. 1(1)(m)

PART 7 N.I. REVOCATION

Valid from 12/04/2012

Revocation N.I.

27.  The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order (Northern Ireland) 2011(68) is revoked.

Commencement Information

I34 Art. 27 in operation at 12.4.2012, see art. 1(1)(h)

Sealed with the Official Seal of the Department for Social Development on 14th March 2012

(L.S.)

Anne McCleary

A senior officer of the Department for Social Development