PART 1INTRODUCTION

Citation, commencement and effect1.

(1)

This Order may be cited as the Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 and, subject to paragraph (2), shall come into operation for the purposes of—

(a)

this Article and Articles 2 and 6 on 1st April 2015;

(b)

Article 3—

(i)

in so far as it relates to any increase to which Article 6(9)(b) applies, on 1st April 2015, and

(ii)

for all other purposes, on 6th April 2015;

(c)

Articles 4, 5, 8, 11, 12 and 15 on 6th April 2015;

(d)

Article 7, 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 2015 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 5th April 2015, except for the purpose of determining the rate of maternity allowance in accordance with section 35A(1) of the Contributions and Benefits Act6 for which purpose it shall come into operation on 6th April 2015;

(f)

Article 10 on 5th April 2015;

(g)

Articles 13 and 14 on 9th April 2015;

(h)

Articles 16 to 18, 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 6th April 2015 and, for the purpose of this sub-paragraph, “benefit week” has the same meaning as in the Income Support Regulations;

(i)

Articles 19 and 20, in relation to a case where rent is payable at intervals of a week or any multiple thereof, on 6th April 2015, and in relation to any other case, on 1st April 2015;

(j)

Articles 21 to 23, 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 6th April 2015, and for the purposes of this sub-paragraph “benefit week” has the same meaning as in the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations;

(k)

Article 24, 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 6th April 2015 and, for the purpose of this sub-paragraph, “benefit week” has the same meaning as in the State Pension Credit Regulations; and

(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 6th April 2015 and, for the purpose of this sub-paragraph, “benefit week” has the same meaning as in the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations; and

(m)

Article 26 on 13th April 2015.

(2)

The changes made 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 on the date specified in relation to that case in Article 6.

Interpretation2.

(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 19927;
“the Pension Schemes Act” means the Pension Schemes (Northern Ireland) Act 19938;
“the Computation of Earnings Regulations” means the Social Security Benefit (Computation of Earnings) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 19969;
“the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations” means the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations (Northern Ireland) 200810;
“the Housing Benefit Regulations” means the Housing Benefit Regulations (Northern Ireland) 200611;
“the Housing Benefit (SPC) Regulations” means the Housing Benefit (Persons who have attained the qualifying age for State Pension Credit) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 200612;
“the Income Support Regulations” means the Income Support (General) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 198713;
“the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations” means the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations (Northern Ireland) 199614;
“the State Pension Credit Regulations” means the State Pension Credit Regulations (Northern Ireland) 200315.

(2)

Subject to paragraph (3), the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 195416 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.

PART 2SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS AND PENSIONS

Rates or amounts of certain benefits under the Contributions and Benefits Act3.

(1)

From and including the respective dates specified in Article 6 the sums specified in paragraph (2) shall be increased so that Schedule 4 to the Contributions and Benefits Act (rates of benefit, etc.), except paragraph 5 of Part III (guardian’s allowance) of that Schedule, 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 sum specified for 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 V17, the sums specified for disablement pension for beneficiaries not over the age of 18, dependent children, widow’s pension (initial rate) and death benefit allowance in respect of children and qualifying young persons.

Rates or amounts of certain pensions and allowances under the Contributions and Benefits Act4.

(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 1∙2 per cent.

(3)

In section 44(4) of the Contributions and Benefits Act18 (basic pension of Category A retirement pension)—

(a)

for “£99∙90” substitute “£101∙10”; and

(b)

for “£113∙10” substitute “£115∙95”.

(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 2014-15;

(b)

the increases in the rates of retirement pensions under Schedule 5 to the Contributions and Benefits Act19 (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 Schedule20 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 197521, Article 64 of the Social Security (Northern Ireland) Order 198622 or section 132 of the Administration Act,

shall in each case be increased by 1∙2 per cent.

(5)

The sums which are shared additional pensions under section 55A of the Contributions and Benefits Act23, and the sums which are increases in the rates of such pensions under paragraph 2 of Schedule 5A to that Act24, shall in each case be increased by 1∙2 per cent.

Rates or amounts of certain benefits under the Pension Schemes Act5.

(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 Act25) shall be increased by 1∙2 per cent. where the increase under section 11(1) is attributable to earnings factors for the tax year 1987-88 and earlier tax years26.

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 Order6.

(1)

Paragraphs (2) to (8), which are subject to the provisions of paragraph (9), 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)

Any increases in the sums mentioned in Articles 3, 4 and 11 for Category A and Category B retirement pension and graduated retirement benefit together with, where appropriate, any increases for dependants, shall take effect on 6th April 2015.

(3)

The increases in the sums mentioned in Article 5(2) shall take effect on 6th April 2015.

(4)

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 6th April 2015.

(5)

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,

(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 8th April 2015.

(6)

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 Act27, 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 6th April 2015.

(7)

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 9th April 2015.

(8)

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 8th April 2015.

(9)

Any increases in the sums specified in Articles 3 and 21(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 6th April 2015;

(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 2015,

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

Earnings limits7.

In section 80(4) of the Contributions and Benefits Act28 (earnings limits in respect of child dependency increases)—

(a)

for “£225”, in both places, substitute “£230”; and

(b)

the sum of £30 remains the same.

Statutory sick pay8.

In section 153(1) of the Contributions and Benefits Act29 (rate of payment) for “£87∙55” substitute “£88∙45”.

Statutory maternity pay9.

In regulation 6 of the Statutory Maternity Pay (General) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 198730 (prescribed rate of statutory maternity pay) for “£138∙18” substitute “£139∙58”.

Ordinary and additional statutory paternity pay, statutory adoption pay and statutory shared parental pay10.

(1)

In the Statutory Paternity Pay and Statutory Adoption Pay (Weekly Rates) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 200231—

(a)

in regulation 2(a) (weekly rate of payment of statutory paternity pay) for “£138∙18” substitute “£139∙58”; and

(b)

in regulation 3(a) (weekly rate of payment of statutory adoption pay) for “£138∙18” substitute “£139∙58”.

(2)

In regulation 2(a) of the Additional Statutory Paternity Pay (Weekly Rates) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 201032 (weekly rate of payment of additional statutory paternity pay) for “£138∙18” substitute “£139∙58”.

(3)

In regulation 40(1)(a) of the Statutory Shared Parental Pay (General) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 201533 (weekly rate of payment of statutory shared parental pay) for “£138∙18” substitute “£139∙58”.

Graduated retirement benefit11.

(1)

In section 35(1) of the National Insurance Act (Northern Ireland) 196634 (graduated retirement benefit)—

(a)

the sum of 13∙14 pence shall be increased by 1∙2 per cent.; and

(b)

the reference in that provision to that sum shall have effect as a reference to 13∙30 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) 197835 (increases for deferred entitlement to a Category A or Category B retirement pension) shall be increased by 1∙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) 200536 (increases of graduated retirement benefit and lump sums) shall be increased by 1∙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 1∙2 per cent.

Disability living allowance12.

In regulation 4 of the Social Security (Disability Living Allowance) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 199237 (rate of benefit)—

(a)

in paragraph (1)(a) for “£81∙30” substitute “£82∙30”;

(b)

in paragraph (1)(b) for “£54∙45” substitute “£55∙10”;

(c)

in paragraph (1)(c) for “£21∙55” substitute “£21∙80”;

(d)

in paragraph (2)(a) for “£56∙75” substitute “£57∙45”; and

(e)

in paragraph (2)(b) for “£21∙55” substitute “£21∙80”.

Age addition to long-term incapacity benefit13.

(1)

Subject to paragraph (2), in regulation 9(2) of the Social Security (Incapacity Benefit) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 199438 (increase in rate of incapacity benefit where beneficiary is under prescribed age on the qualifying date)—

(a)

in sub-paragraph (a) for “£21∙25” substitute “£21∙50”; and

(b)

in sub-paragraph (b) for “£10∙65” substitute “£10∙80”.

(2)

In the case of a claimant entitled to long-term incapacity benefit the sums specified in regulation 9(2)(a) and (b) shall be increased to £11∙15 and £6∙20 respectively.

Transitional invalidity allowance in long-term incapacity benefit cases14.

(1)

Subject to paragraph (2), in regulation 18(2) of the Social Security (Incapacity Benefit) (Transitional) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 199539 (rate of long-term incapacity benefit in transitional cases)—

(a)

in sub-paragraph (a) for “£21∙25” substitute “£21∙50”;

(b)

in sub-paragraph (b) for “£13∙70” substitute “£13∙90”; and

(c)

in sub-paragraph (c) for “£6∙85” substitute “£6∙95”.

(2)

In the case of a claimant entitled to long-term incapacity benefit the sums specified in regulation 18(2)(a), (b) and (c) shall be increased to £11∙15, £6∙20 and £6∙20 respectively.

Bereavement benefits15.

In the Rate of Bereavement Benefits Regulations (Northern Ireland) 201040—

(a)

in regulation 2 (rate of widowed mother’s allowance and widow’s pension) for “£111∙20” substitute “£112∙55”; and

(b)

in regulation 3 (rate of widowed parent’s allowance and bereavement allowance) for “£111∙20” substitute “£112∙55”.

PART 3INCOME SUPPORT AND HOUSING BENEFIT

Applicable amounts for income support16.

(1)

The sums relevant to the calculation of an applicable amount as specified in the Income Support Regulations41 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 242,

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 243 (applicable amounts: family premium) the sum of £17∙45, 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 344 (housing costs: non-dependant deductions)—

(a)

in sub-paragraph (1) for “£91∙15” and “£14∙15” substitute “£93∙80” and “£14∙55” respectively; and

(b)

in sub-paragraph (2)—

(i)

in head (a) for “£128∙00” substitute “£129∙00”,

(ii)

in head (b) for “£128∙00”, “£188∙00” and “£32∙45” substitute “£129∙00”, “£189∙00” and “£33∙40” respectively,

(iii)

in head (c) for “£188∙00”, “£245∙00” and “£44∙55” substitute “£189∙00”, “£246∙00” and “£45∙85” respectively,

(iv)

in head (d) for “£245∙00”, “£326∙00” and “£72∙95” substitute “£246∙00”, “£328∙00” and “£75∙05” respectively, and

(v)

in head (e) for “£326∙00”, “£406∙00” and “£83∙05” substitute “£328∙00”, “£408∙00” and “£85∙45” 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.

Income support transitional protection17.

The sums which are special transitional additions to income support payable in accordance with regulation 15 of the Income Support (Transitional) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 198745 shall be increased by 1∙2 per cent.

Relevant sum for income support18.

In section 125(7) of the Contributions and Benefits Act46 (trade disputes) for “£40∙00” substitute “£40∙50”.

Housing benefit19.

(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 7247 (non-dependant deductions)—

(a)

in paragraph (1) for “£91∙15” and “£14∙15” substitute “£93∙80” and “£14∙55” respectively; and

(b)

in paragraph (2)—

(i)

in sub-paragraph (a) for “£128∙00” substitute “£129∙00”,

(ii)

in sub-paragraph (b) for “£128∙00”, “£188∙00” and “£32∙45” substitute “£129∙00”, “£189∙00” and “£33∙40” respectively,

(iii)

in sub-paragraph (c) for “£188∙00”, “£245∙00” and “£44∙55” substitute “£189∙00”, “£246∙00” and “£45∙85” respectively,

(iv)

in sub-paragraph (d) for “£245∙00”, “£326∙00” and “£72∙95” substitute “£246∙00”, “£328∙00” and “£75∙05” respectively, and

(v)

in sub-paragraph (e) for “£326∙00”, “£406∙00” and “£83∙05” substitute “£328∙00”, “£408∙00” and “£85∙45” respectively.

(4)

In Schedule 148 (ineligible service charges)—

(a)

in paragraph 2 for “£26∙55”, “£26∙55”, “£13∙45”, “£17∙65”, “£17∙65”, “£8∙90” and “£3∙25” substitute “£26∙85”, “£26∙85”, “£13∙60”, “£17∙85”, “£17∙85”, “£9∙00” and “£3∙30” respectively; and

(b)

in paragraph 6(2) for “£27∙55”, “£3∙20”, “£2∙20” and “£3∙20” substitute “£28∙80”, “£3∙35”, “£2∙30” and “£3∙35” 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 449 (applicable amounts: family premium) the sums of £22∙20 and £17∙45 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 450 (amount of components)—

(a)

in paragraph 25 for “£28∙75” substitute “£29∙05”; and

(b)

in paragraph 26 for “£35∙75” substitute “£36∙20”.

(9)

In paragraph 17(1) and (3)(c) of Schedule 551 (sums to be disregarded in the calculation of earnings) the sum of £17∙10 remains the same.

(10)

In paragraph 58 of Schedule 652 (sums to be disregarded in the calculation of income other than earnings) the sum of £17∙10 remains the same.

Housing benefit for certain persons over the qualifying age for state pension credit20.

(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 5353 (non-dependant deductions)—

(a)

in paragraph (1) for “£91∙15 and “£14∙15” substitute “£93∙80” and “£14∙55” respectively; and

(b)

in paragraph (2)—

(i)

in sub-paragraph (a) for “£128∙00” substitute “£129∙00”,

(ii)

in sub-paragraph (b) for “£128∙00”, “£188∙00” and “£32∙45” substitute “£129∙00”, “£189∙00” and “£33∙40” respectively,

(iii)

in sub-paragraph (c) for “£188∙00”, “£245∙00” and “£44∙55” substitute “£189∙00”, “£246∙00” and “£45∙85” respectively,

(iv)

in sub-paragraph (d) for “£245∙00”, “£326∙00” and “£72∙95” substitute “£246∙00”, “£328∙00” and “£75∙05” respectively, and

(v)

in sub-paragraph (e) for “£326∙00”, “£406∙00” and “£83∙05” substitute “£328∙00”, “£408∙00” and “£85∙45” respectively.

(4)

In Schedule 1 (ineligible service charges)—

(a)

in paragraph 254 for “£26∙55”, “£26∙55”, “£13∙45”, “£17∙65”, “£17∙65”, “£8∙90” and “£3∙25” substitute “£26∙85”, “£26∙85”, “£13∙60”, “£17∙85”, “£17∙85”, “£9∙00” and “£3∙30” respectively; and

(b)

in paragraph 6(2) for “£27∙55”, “£3∙20”, “£2∙20” and “£3∙20” substitute “£28∙80”, “£3∙35”, “£2∙30” and “£3∙35” 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 455 (applicable amounts: family premium) the sum of £17∙45 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 556 (sums disregarded from claimant’s earnings) the sum of £17∙10 remains the same.

(9)

In paragraph 22 of Schedule 657 (amounts to be disregarded in the calculation of income other than earnings) the sum of £17∙10 remains the same.

PART 4JOBSEEKER’S ALLOWANCE

Age-related amounts of contribution-based jobseeker’s allowance21.

In regulation 79(1) of the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations58 (weekly amounts of contribution-based jobseeker’s allowance)—

(a)

in sub-paragraph (a) for “£57∙35” substitute “£57∙90”;

(b)

in sub-paragraph (b) for “£57∙35” substitute “£57∙90”; and

(c)

in sub-paragraph (c) for “£72∙40” substitute “£73∙10”.

Applicable amounts for jobseeker’s allowance22.

(1)

The sums relevant to the calculation of an applicable amount as specified in the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations59 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 160,

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 161 (applicable amounts: family premium) the sum of £17∙45, 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 162 (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 263 (housing costs: non-dependant deductions)—

(a)

in sub-paragraph (1) for “£91∙15” and “£14∙15” substitute “£93∙80” and “£14∙55” respectively; and

(b)

in sub-paragraph (2)—

(i)

in head (a) for “£128∙00” substitute “£129∙00”,

(ii)

in head (b) for “£128∙00”, “£188∙00” and “£32∙45” substitute “£129∙00”, “£189∙00” and “£33∙40” respectively,

(iii)

in head (c) for “£188∙00”, “£245∙00” and “£44∙55” substitute “£189∙00”, “£246∙00” and “£45∙85” respectively,

(iv)

in head (d) for “£245∙00”, “£326∙00” and “£72∙95” substitute “£246∙00”, “£328∙00” and “£75∙05” respectively, and

(v)

in head (e) for “£326∙00”, “£406∙00” and “£83∙05” substitute “£328∙00”, “£408∙00” and “£85∙45” 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.

Prescribed sum for jobseeker’s allowance23.

In regulation 170 of the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations64 (trade disputes: prescribed sum) for “£40∙00” substitute “£40∙50”.

PART 5STATE PENSION CREDIT

State pension credit24.

(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 665 (amount of the guarantee credit)—

(a)

in paragraph (1) for “£226∙50” and “£148∙35” substitute “£230∙85” and “£151∙20” respectively;

(b)

in paragraph (5) for “£61∙10” and “£122∙20” substitute “£61∙85” and “£123∙70” respectively; and

(c)

in paragraph (8) for “£34∙20” substitute “£34∙60”.

(3)

In regulation 766 (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 “£120∙35” and “£192∙00” substitute “£126∙50” and “£201∙80” respectively.

(4)

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

(a)

in sub-paragraph (1)67 for “£91∙15” and “£14∙15” substitute “£93∙80” and “£14∙55” respectively; and

(b)

in sub-paragraph (2)68—

(i)

in head (a) for “£128∙00” substitute “£129∙00”,

(ii)

in head (b) for “£128∙00”, “£188∙00” and “£32∙45” substitute “£129∙00”, “£189∙00” and “£33∙40” respectively,

(iii)

in head (c) for “£188∙00”, “£245∙00” and “£44∙55” substitute “£189∙00”, “£246∙00” and “£45∙85” respectively,

(iv)

in head (d) for “£245∙00”, “£326∙00” and “£72∙95” substitute “£246∙00”, “£328∙00” and “£75∙05” respectively, and

(v)

in head (e) for “£326∙00”, “£406∙00” and “£83∙05” substitute “£328∙00”, “£408∙00” and “£85∙45” respectively.

(5)

In paragraph 1 of Schedule 369 (special groups: polygamous marriages)—

(a)

in sub-paragraph (5), which substitutes regulation 6(1), for “£226∙50” and “£78∙15” substitute “£230∙85” and “£79∙65” respectively; and

(b)

in sub-paragraph (7), which substitutes regulation 7(2), for “£192∙00” substitute “£201∙80”.

(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.

PART 6EMPLOYMENT AND SUPPORT ALLOWANCE

Applicable amounts for employment and support allowance25.

(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 470 (the components)—

(a)

in paragraph 12 for “£28∙75” substitute “£29∙05”; and

(b)

in paragraph 13 for “£35∙75” substitute “£36∙20”.

(5)

In paragraph 19 of Schedule 671 (housing costs: non-dependant deductions)—

(a)

in sub-paragraph (1) for “£91∙15” and “£14∙15” substitute “£93∙80” and “£14∙55” respectively; and

(b)

in sub-paragraph (2)—

(i)

in head (a) for “£128∙00” substitute “£129∙00”,

(ii)

in head (b) for “£128∙00”, “£188∙00” and “£32∙45” substitute “£129∙00”, “£189∙00” and “£33∙40” respectively,

(iii)

in head (c) for “£188∙00”, “£245∙00” and “£44∙55” substitute “£189∙00”, “£246∙00” and “£45∙85” respectively,

(iv)

in head (d) for “£245∙00”, “£326∙00” and “£72∙95” substitute “£246∙00”, “£328∙00” and “£75∙05” respectively, and

(v)

in head (e) for “£326∙00”, “£406∙00” and “£83∙05” substitute “£328∙00”, “£408∙00” and “£85∙45” 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.

PART 7REVOCATION

Revocation26.

The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order (Northern Ireland) 201472 is revoked.

Sealed with the Official Seal of the Department for Social Development on 5th March 2015

(L.S.)
Anne McCleary
A senior officer of the Department for Social Development