The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order (Northern Ireland) 2017

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) 2017 and, subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), shall come into operation for the purposes of—

(a) this Article and Articles 2 and 7, on 1st April 2017;

(b) Article 3—

(i) in so far as it relates to any increase to which Article 7(9)(b) applies, on 1st April 2017, and

(ii) for all other purposes, on 10th April 2017;

(c) Articles 4, 5, 6, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 19, on 10th April 2017;

(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 2017 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 2017;

(f) Article 10, on 2nd April 2017, except for the purpose of determining the rate of maternity allowance in accordance with section 35A(1) of the Contributions and Benefits Act(1) (appropriate weekly rate of maternity allowance under section 35) for which purpose it shall come into operation on 10th April 2017;

(g) Article 11, on 2nd April 2017;

(h) Articles 17 and 18, on 6th April 2017;

(i) Articles 20 and 21, 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 10th April 2017 and, for the purpose of this sub-paragraph, “benefit week” has the same meaning as in the Income Support Regulations;

(j) Articles 22 and 23, in relation to a case where rent is payable at intervals of a week or any multiple thereof, on 3rd April 2017, and in relation to any other case, on 1st April 2017;

(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 10th April 2017 and, for the purpose of this sub-paragraph, “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 10th April 2017 and, for the purpose of this sub-paragraph, “benefit week” has the same meaning as in the State Pension Credit Regulations;

(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 10th April 2017 and, for the purpose of this sub-paragraph, “benefit week” has the same meaning as in the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2008;

(n) Article 27, 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 10th April 2017 and, for the purpose of this sub-paragraph, “benefit week” has the same meaning as in the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2016;

(o) Article 28, in so far as it relates to a particular beneficiary, on the first day of the first assessment period to commence for that beneficiary on or after 10th April 2017 and, for the purpose of this sub-paragraph, “assessment period” has the same meaning as in Article 12(2) of the Welfare Reform (Northern Ireland) Order 2015(2); and

(p) Article 29, on 9th May 2017.

(2) In so far as Articles 3, 4, 10, 12, 19 and 27 relate to a beneficiary in favour of whom an award of universal credit is in force, those Articles shall come into operation for the purposes of determining the beneficiary’s unearned income in relation to that award on the same day as Article 28 comes into operation for that beneficiary.

(3) The changes made in the sums specified for rates or amounts of benefit in Articles 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 13 and 14 shall take effect for each case on the date specified in relation to that case in Article 7.

Commencement Information

I1 Art. 1 in operation at 1.4.2017, 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(3);

“the Pensions Act” means the Pensions Act (Northern Ireland) 2015(4);

“the Pension Schemes Act” means the Pension Schemes (Northern Ireland) Act 1993(5);

“the Computation of Earnings Regulations” means the Social Security Benefit (Computation of Earnings) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996(6);

“the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2008” means the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008(7);

“the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2016” means the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016(8);

“the Housing Benefit Regulations” means the Housing Benefit Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006(9);

“the Housing Benefit (SPC) Regulations” means the Housing Benefit (Persons who have attained the qualifying age for State Pension Credit) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006(10);

“the Income Support Regulations” means the Income Support (General) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1987(11);

“the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations” means the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996(12);

“the State Pension Credit Regulations” means the State Pension Credit Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003(13); and

“the Universal Credit Regulations” means the Universal Credit Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016(14).

(2) Subject to paragraph (3), the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954(15) 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 1.4.2017, 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 7, 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 V(16), the sums specified for disablement pension for dependent children and death benefit allowance in respect of children and qualifying young persons.

Commencement Information

I3 Art. 3 in operation at 1.4.2017 for specified purposes, see art.1(1)(b)(ii)(2)(3)

I4 Art. 3 in operation at 10.4.2017 in so far as not already in force, see art. 1(1)(b)(ii)(2)(3)

Rates or amounts of certain pensions and 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 7.

(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∙0 per cent.

(3) In section 44(4) of the Contributions and Benefits Act(17) (basic pension of Category A retirement pension)—

(a) for “£101∙10” substitute “£102∙10”; and

(b) for “£119∙30” substitute “£122∙30”.

(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 2016-17;

(b) the increases in the rates of retirement pensions under Schedule 5 to the Contributions and Benefits Act(18) (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 on becoming entitled to a Category A or Category B retirement pension (entitlement to lump sum where pensioner’s deceased spouse or civil partner has deferred entitlement); 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(19), Article 64 of the Social Security (Northern Ireland) Order 1986(20) or section 132 of the Administration Act,

shall in each case be increased by 1∙0 per cent.

(5) The sums which are shared additional pensions under section 55A and 55AA of the Contributions and Benefits Act(21), and the sums which are increases in the rates of such pensions under paragraph 2 of Schedule 5A to that Act(22), shall in each case be increased by 1∙0 per cent.

Commencement Information

I5 Art. 4 in operation at 1.4.2017 in so far as not already in force, see art. 1(1)(c)(2)(3)

I6 Art. 4 in operation at 10.4.2017 for specified purposes, see art. 1(1)(c)(2)(3)

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 7.

(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 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(23)) shall be increased by 1∙0 per cent. where the increase under section 11(1) is attributable to earnings factors for the tax year 1987-88 and earlier tax years(24).

Commencement Information

I7 Art. 5 in operation at 1.4.2017 for specified purposes, see art. 1(1)(c)(3)

I8 Art. 5 in operation at 1.4.2017 in so far as not already in force, see art. 1(1)(c)(3)

Rates or amounts of certain pensions under Part 1 of the Pensions Act N.I.

6.—(1) The sums specified in paragraphs (2) to (4) shall be increased from and including the date specified in Article 7(10).

(2) In regulation 1A of the State Pension Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015(25) (full rate of state pension) for “£155∙65” substitute “£159∙55”.

(3) It is directed that the sums which are increases under section 17 of the Pensions Act in the rates of state pensions under Part 1 of that Act shall be increased by 1∙0 per cent.

(4) The amounts which, under—

(a) section 9 of the Pensions Act, are survivor’s pensions based on inheritance of deferred old state pension;

(b) paragraph 4(3) of Schedule 2 to the Pensions Act, are the amounts of state pensions under Part 1 of the Pensions Act at the transitional rate which exceed the full rate for those who reach pensionable age before 10th April 2017;

(c) paragraphs 5(3) and 6 of Schedule 4 to the Pensions Act, are the amounts of survivor’s pensions which either alone or in combination with certain other pensions under that Act exceed the full rate; and

(d) paragraphs 5(3) and 6 of Schedule 9 to the Pensions Act, are the amounts of shared state pensions under Part 1 of the Pensions Act which either alone or in combination with certain other pensions under that Act exceed the full rate,

shall in each case be increased by 1∙0 per cent.

(5) For the purpose of this Article, “old state pension” has the same meaning as in section 22 of the Pensions Act.

Commencement Information

I9 Art. 6 in operation at 1.4.2017 for specified purposes, see art. 1(1)(c)(3)

I10 Art. 6 in operation at 1.4.2017 in so far as not already in force, see art. 1(1)(c)(3)

Dates on which sums specified for rates or amounts of benefits in Articles 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 13 and 14 are changed by this Order N.I.

7.—(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 in Articles 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 13 and 14 shall take effect for each case.

(2) Any increases in the sums mentioned in Articles 3, 4, 12 and 13 for Category A and Category B retirement pension, graduated retirement benefit and Category C retirement pension together with, where appropriate, any increases for dependants, shall take effect on 10th April 2017.

(3) The increases in the sums mentioned in Article 5(2) shall take effect on 10th April 2017.

(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 take effect on 10th April 2017.

(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 take effect on 12th April 2017.

(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 Act(26) by reference to the weekly rate of invalidity allowance or age addition to long-term incapacity benefit to which the person was previously entitled, any increase in such sum shall take effect on 10th April 2017.

(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 on 6th April 2017.

(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 12th April 2017.

(9) Any increases in the sums specified in Article 3 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 10th April 2017;

(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 2017,

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

(10) Any increases in the sums mentioned in Article 6 for state pension under Part 1 of the Pensions Act shall take effect on 10th April 2017.

(11) The increase in the sum mentioned in Article 14 shall take effect on 10th April 2017.

Commencement Information

I11 Art. 7 in operation at 1.4.2017, see art. 1(1)(a)

Earnings limits N.I.

8.  In section 80(4) of the Contributions and Benefits Act(27) (earnings limits in respect of child dependency increases)—

(a) in both places, the sum of £230 remains the same; and

(b) the sum of £30 remains the same.

Commencement Information

I12 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(28) (rate of payment) for “£88∙45” substitute “£89∙35”.

Commencement Information

I13 Art. 9 in operation at 6.4.2017, see art. 1(1)(e)

Statutory maternity pay N.I.

10.  In regulation 6 of the Statutory Maternity Pay (General) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1987(29) (prescribed rate of statutory maternity pay) for “£139∙58” substitute “£140∙98”.

Commencement Information

I14 Art. 10 in operation at 1.4.2017 for specified purposes, see art. 1(1)(f)(2)

I15 Art. 10 in operation at 10.4.2017 in so far as not already in force, see art. 1(1)(f)(2)

Statutory paternity pay, statutory adoption pay and statutory shared parental pay N.I.

11.—(1) In the Statutory Paternity Pay and Statutory Adoption Pay (Weekly Rates) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002(30)—

(a) in regulation 2(a) (weekly rate of payment of statutory paternity pay) for “£139∙58” substitute “£140∙98”; and

(b) in regulation 3(a) (weekly rate of payment of statutory adoption pay) for “£139∙58” substitute “£140∙98”.

(2) In regulation 40(1)(a) of the Statutory Shared Parental Pay (General) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015(31) (weekly rate of payment of statutory shared parental pay) for “£139∙58” substitute “£140∙98”.

Commencement Information

I16 Art. 11 in operation at 2.4.2017, see art. 1(1)(g)

Graduated retirement benefit N.I.

12.—(1) In section 35(1) of the National Insurance Act (Northern Ireland) 1966(32) (graduated retirement benefit)—

(a) the sum of 13∙30 pence shall be increased by 1∙0 per cent.; and

(b) the reference in that provision to that sum shall have effect as a reference to 13∙43 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(33) (increases for deferred entitlement to a Category A or Category B retirement pension) shall be increased by 1∙0 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(34) (increases of graduated retirement benefit and lump sums) shall be increased by 1∙0 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∙0 per cent.

Commencement Information

I17 Art. 12 in operation at 1.4.2017 for specified purposes, see art. 1(1)(c)(2)(3)

I18 Art. 12 in operation at 1.4.2017 in so far as not already in force, see art. 1(1)(c)(2)(3)

Amount of Category C retirement pension under the Social Security (Widow’s Benefit and Retirement Pensions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1979 N.I.

13.  In regulation 11(3) of the Social Security (Widow’s Benefit and Retirement Pensions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1979(35) (Category C retirement pension for widows of men over pensionable age on 5^th July 1948) for “£71∙50” substitute “£73∙30”.

Commencement Information

I19 Art. 13 in operation at 1.4.2017 for specified purposes, see art. 1(1)(c)(3)

I20 Art. 13 in operation at 1.4.2017 in so far as not already in force, see art. 1(1)(c)(3)

Maximum additional pension N.I.

14.  In regulation 2A of the Social Security (Maximum Additional Pension) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010(36) (prescribed maximum additional pension for survivors who become entitled on or after 6^th April 2016) for “£165∙60” substitute “£167∙26”.

Commencement Information

I21 Art. 14 in operation at 1.4.2017 for specified purposes, see art. 1(1)(c)(3)

I22 Art. 14 in operation at 1.4.2017 in so far as not already in force, see art. 1(1)(c)(3)

Disability living allowance N.I.

15.  In regulation 4 of the Social Security (Disability Living Allowance) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1992(37) (rate of benefit)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(a) for “£82∙30” substitute “£83∙10”;

(b) in paragraph (1)(b) for “£55∙10” substitute “£55∙65”;

(c) in paragraph (1)(c) for “£21∙80” substitute “£22∙00”;

(d) in paragraph (2)(a) for “£57∙45” substitute “£58∙00”; and

(e) in paragraph (2)(b) for “£21∙80” substitute “£22∙00”.

Commencement Information

I23 Art. 15 in operation at 10.4.2017, see art. 1(1)(c)

Personal independence payment N.I.

16.  In regulation 24 of the Personal Independence Payment Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016(38) (rate of personal independence payment)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(a) for “£55∙10” substitute “£55∙65”;

(b) in paragraph (1)(b) for “£82∙30” substitute “£83∙10”;

(c) in paragraph (2)(a) for “£21∙80” substitute “£22∙00”; and

(d) in paragraph (2)(b) for “£57∙45” substitute “£58∙00”.

Commencement Information

I24 Art. 16 in operation at 10.4.2017, see art. 1(1)(c)

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

17.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), in regulation 9(2) of the Social Security (Incapacity Benefit) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1994(39) (increase in rate of incapacity benefit where beneficiary is under prescribed age on the qualifying date)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (a) for “£21∙50” substitute “£21∙70”; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (b) for “£10∙80” substitute “£10∙90”.

(2) In the case of a claimant entitled to long-term incapacity benefit the sums specified in regulation 9(2)(a) and (b) of those Regulations shall be increased to £11∙25 and £6∙25 respectively.

Commencement Information

I25 Art. 17 in operation at 6.4.2017, see art. 1(1)(h)

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

18.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), in regulation 18(2) of the Social Security (Incapacity Benefit) (Transitional) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995(40) (rate of long-term incapacity benefit in transitional cases)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (a) for “£21∙50” substitute “£21∙70”;

(b) in sub-paragraph (b) for “£13∙90” substitute “£14∙00”; and

(c) in sub-paragraph (c) for “£6∙95” substitute “£7∙00”.

(2) In the case of a claimant entitled to long-term incapacity benefit the sums specified in regulation 18(2)(a), (b) and (c) of those Regulations shall be increased to £11∙25, £6∙25 and £6∙25 respectively.

Commencement Information

I26 Art. 18 in operation at 6.4.2017, see art. 1(1)(h)

Bereavement benefits N.I.

19.  In the Rate of Bereavement Benefits Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010(41)—

(a) in regulation 2 (rate of widowed mother’s allowance and widow’s pension) for “£112∙55” substitute “£113∙70”; and

(b) in regulation 3 (rate of widowed parent’s allowance and bereavement allowance) for “£112∙55” substitute “£113∙70”.

Commencement Information

I27 Art. 19 in operation at 1.4.2017 for specified purposes, see art. 1(1)(c)(2)

I28 Art. 19 in operation at 10.4.2017 in so far as not already in force, see art. 1(1)(c)(2)

PART 3 N.I. INCOME SUPPORT AND HOUSING BENEFIT

Applicable amounts for income support N.I.

20.—(1) The sums relevant to the calculation of an applicable amount as specified in the Income Support Regulations(42) 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)(43); and

(b) paragraphs 13A(2)(a) and 14(2)(a) of Part III of Schedule 2(44),

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

(3) The sums specified in paragraph 2 of 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(45) (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 3(46) (housing costs: non-dependant deductions)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (1) for “£94∙50” and “£14∙65” substitute “£95∙45” and “£14∙80” respectively; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (2)—

(i) in head (a) for “£133∙00” substitute “£136∙00”,

(ii) in head (b) for “£133∙00”, “£195∙00” and “£33∙65” substitute “£136∙00”, “£200∙00” and “£34∙00” respectively,

(iii) in head (c) for “£195∙00”, “£253∙00” and “£46∙20” substitute “£200∙00”, “£259∙00” and “£46∙65” respectively,

(iv) in head (d) for “£253∙00”, “£338∙00” and “£75∙60” substitute “£259∙00”, “£346∙00” and “£76∙35” respectively, and

(v) in head (e) for “£338∙00”, “£420∙00” and “£86∙10” substitute “£346∙00”, “£430∙00” and “£86∙95” 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

I29 Art. 20 comes into force in accordance with art. 1(1)(i)

Income support transitional protection N.I.

21.  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(47) shall be increased by 1∙0 per cent.

Commencement Information

I30 Art. 21 comes into force in accordance with art. 1(1)(i)

Housing benefit N.I.

22.—(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 B14(3)(48) (determination of a maximum rent (social sector))—

(a) in sub-paragraph (a) 14% remains the same; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (b) 25% remains the same.

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

(4) In regulation 72(49) (non-dependant deductions)—

(a) in paragraph (1) for “£94∙50” and “£14∙65” substitute “£95∙45” and “£14∙80” respectively; and

(b) in paragraph (2)—

(i) in sub-paragraph (a) for “£133∙00” substitute “£136∙00”,

(ii) in sub-paragraph (b) for “£133∙00”, “£195∙00” and “£33∙65” substitute “£136∙00”, “£200∙00” and “£34∙00” respectively,

(iii) in sub-paragraph (c) for “£195∙00”, “£253∙00” and “£46∙20” substitute “£200∙00”, “£259∙00” and “£46∙65” respectively,

(iv) in sub-paragraph (d) for “£253∙00”, “£338∙00” and “£75∙60” substitute “£259∙00”, “£346∙00” and “£76∙35” respectively, and

(v) in sub-paragraph (e) for “£338∙00”, “£420∙00” and “£86∙10” substitute “£346∙00”, “£430∙00” and “£86∙95” respectively.

(5) In Schedule 1(50) (ineligible service charges)—

(a) in paragraph 2 for “£26∙85”, “£26∙85”, “£13∙60”, “£17∙85”, “£17∙85”, “£9∙00” and “£3∙30” substitute “£27∙10”, “£27∙10”, “£13∙75”, “£18∙05”, “£18∙05”, “£9∙10” and “£3∙35” respectively; and

(b) in paragraph 6(2) the sums of £28∙80, £3∙35, £2∙30 and £3∙35 respectively remain the same.

(6) The sums specified in paragraph 2 of Part I of Schedule 4 (applicable amounts: personal allowances) shall be as set out in Schedule 5 to this Order.

(7) In paragraph 3(1) of Part II of Schedule 4(51) (applicable amounts: family premium) the sums of £22∙20 and £17∙45 remain the same.

(8) 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.

(9) In paragraph 26 of Part VI of Schedule 4(52) (amount of components) for “£36∙20” substitute “£36∙55”.

(10) In paragraph 17(1) and (3)(c) of Schedule 5(53) (sums to be disregarded in the calculation of earnings) the sum of £17∙10 remains the same.

(11) In paragraph 58 of Schedule 6(54) (sums to be disregarded in the calculation of income other than earnings) the sum of £17∙10 remains the same.

Commencement Information

I31 Art. 22 in operation at 1.4.2017 in so far as not already in force, see art.1(1)(j)

I32 Art. 22 in operation at 3.4.2017 for specified purposes, see art. 1(1)(j)

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

23.—(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(55) (non-dependant deductions)—

(a) in paragraph (1) for “£94∙50” and “£14∙65” substitute “£95∙45” and “£14∙80” respectively; and

(b) in paragraph (2)—

(i) in sub-paragraph (a) for “£133∙00” substitute “£136∙00”,

(ii) in sub-paragraph (b) for “£133∙00”, “£195∙00” and “£33∙65” substitute “£136∙00”, “£200∙00” and “£34∙00” respectively,

(iii) in sub-paragraph (c) for “£195∙00”, “£253∙00” and “£46∙20” substitute “£200∙00”, “£259∙00” and “£46∙65” respectively,

(iv) in sub-paragraph (d) for “£253∙00”, “£338∙00” and “£75∙60” substitute “£259∙00”, “£346∙00” and “£76∙35” respectively, and

(v) in sub-paragraph (e) for “£338∙00”, “£420∙00” and “£86∙10” substitute “£346∙00”, “£430∙00” and “£86∙95” respectively.

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

(a) in paragraph 2(56) for “£26∙85”, “£26∙85”, “£13∙60”, “£17∙85”, “£17∙85”, “£9∙00” and “£3∙30” substitute “£27∙10”, “£27∙10”, “£13∙75”, “£18∙05”, “£18∙05”, “£9∙10” and “£3∙35” respectively; and

(b) in paragraph 6(2) the sums of £28∙80, £3∙35, £2∙30 and £3∙35 remain the same.

(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(57) (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 5(58) (sums disregarded from claimant’s earnings) the sum of £17∙10 remains the same.

(9) In paragraph 22 of Schedule 6(59) (amounts to be disregarded in the calculation of income other than earnings) the sum of £17∙10 remains the same.

Commencement Information

I33 Art. 23 in operation at 1.4.2017 in so far as not already in force, see art. 1(1)(j)

I34 Art. 23 in operation at 3.4.2017 for specified purposes, see art. 1(1)(j)

PART 4 N.I. JOBSEEKER’S ALLOWANCE

Applicable amounts for jobseeker’s allowance N.I.

24.—(1) The sums relevant to the calculation of an applicable amount as specified in the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations(60) 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)(61); and

(b) paragraphs 15A(2)(a) and 16(2)(a) of Part III of Schedule 1(62),

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

(3) The sums specified in paragraph 2 of 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(63) (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 1 (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(64) (housing costs: non-dependant deductions)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (1) for “£94∙50” and “£14∙65” substitute “£95∙45” and “£14∙80” respectively; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (2)—

(i) in head (a) for “£133∙00” substitute “£136∙00”,

(ii) in head (b) for “£133∙00”, “£195∙00” and “£33∙65” substitute “£136∙00”, “£200∙00” and “£34∙00” respectively,

(iii) in head (c) for “£195∙00”, “£253∙00” and “£46∙20” substitute “£200∙00”, “£259∙00” and “£46∙65” respectively,

(iv) in head (d) for “£253∙00”, “£338∙00” and “£75∙60” substitute “£259∙00”, “£346∙00” and “£76∙35” respectively, and

(v) in head (e) for “£338∙00”, “£420∙00” and “£86∙10” substitute “£346∙00”, “£430∙00” and “£86∙95” 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

I35 Art. 24 comes into force in accordance with art. 1(1)(k)

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(65) (amount of the guarantee credit)—

(a) in paragraph (1) for “£237∙55” and “£155∙60” substitute “£243∙25” and “£159∙35” respectively;

(b) in paragraph (5) for “£61∙85” and “£123∙70” substitute “£62∙45” and “£124∙90” respectively; and

(c) in paragraph (8) for “£34∙60” substitute “£34∙95”.

(3) In regulation 7(66) (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 “£133∙82” and “£212∙97” substitute “£137∙35” and “£218∙42” respectively.

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

(a) in sub-paragraph (1)(67) for “£94∙50” and “£14∙65” substitute “£95∙45” and “£14∙80” respectively; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (2)(68)—

(i) in head (a) for “£133∙00” substitute “£136∙00”,

(ii) in head (b) for “£133∙00”, “£195∙00” and “£33∙65” substitute “£136∙00”, “£200∙00” and “£34∙00” respectively,

(iii) in head (c) for “£195∙00”, “£253∙00” and “£46∙20” substitute “£200∙00”, “£259∙00” and “£46∙65” respectively,

(iv) in head (d) for “£253∙00”, “£338∙00” and “£75∙60” substitute “£259∙00”, “£346∙00” and “£76∙35” respectively, and

(v) in head (e) for “£338∙00”, “£420∙00” and “£86∙10” substitute “£346∙00”, “£430∙00” and “£86∙95” respectively.

(5) In paragraph 1 of Schedule 3(69) (special groups: polygamous marriages)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (5), which substitutes regulation 6(1), for “£237∙55” and “£81∙95” substitute “£243∙25” and “£83∙90” respectively; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (7), which substitutes regulation 7(2), for “£212∙97” substitute “£218∙42”.

(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

I36 Art. 25 comes into force in accordance with art. 1(1)(i)

PART 6 N.I. EMPLOYMENT AND SUPPORT ALLOWANCE

Applicable amounts for the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2008 N.I.

26.—(1) The sums relevant to the calculation of an applicable amount as specified in the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2008 shall be the sums set out in this Article and Schedules 14 and 15 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 2008 bearing that number.

(2) The sums specified in Part 3 of Schedule 4 (weekly amount of premiums specified in Part 2) shall be as set out in Schedule 14 to this Order.

(3) In paragraph 13 of Part 4 of Schedule 4(70) (the components) for “£36∙20” substitute “£36∙55”.

(4) In paragraph 19 of Schedule 6(71) (housing costs: non-dependant deductions)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (1) for “£94∙50” and “£14∙65” substitute “£95∙45” and “£14∙80” respectively; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (2)—

(i) in head (a) for “£133∙00” substitute “£136∙00”,

(ii) in head (b) for “£133∙00”, “£195∙00” and “£33∙65” substitute “£136∙00”, “£200∙00” and “£34∙00” respectively,

(iii) in head (c) for “£195∙00”, “£253∙00” and “£46∙20” substitute “£200∙00”, “£259∙00” and “£46∙65” respectively,

(iv) in head (d) for “£253∙00”, “£338∙00” and “£75∙60” substitute “£259∙00”, “£346∙00” and “£76∙35” respectively, and

(v) in head (e) for “£338∙00”, “£420∙00” and “£86∙10” substitute “£346∙00”, “£430∙00” and “£86∙95” respectively.

(5) The sums specified in any provision of the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2008 set out in column (1) of Schedule 15 to this Order are the sums set out in column (2) of that Schedule.

Commencement Information

I37 Art. 26 comes into force in accordance with art. 1(1)(m)

Prescribed amount for the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2016 N.I.

27.  In regulation 62(2)(b) of the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2016 (prescribed amounts) for “£36∙20” substitute “£36∙55”.

Commencement Information

I38 Art. 27 in operation at 10.4.2017 for specified purposes, see art. 1(1)(n)(2)

I39 Art. 27 in operation at 10.4.2017 in so far as not already in force, see art. 1(1)(n)(2)

PART 7 N.I. UNIVERSAL CREDIT

Universal credit N.I.

28.—(1) In regulation 35(1)(a) of the Universal Credit Regulations (amount of childcare costs element) “85 percent” remains the same.

(2) The amounts of the child element, the additional amount in respect of each child or qualifying young person who is disabled (higher rate), the limited capability for work and work-related activity element, the carer element and the maximum amounts of the childcare costs element specified in the table in regulation 38 of the Universal Credit Regulations (amounts of elements) shall be as set out in Schedule 16 to this Order.

(3) In paragraph 13 of Schedule 4 to the Universal Credit Regulations (amount of housing cost contributions)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (1) for “£69∙37” substitute “£70∙06”; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (3)(a) “nil” remains the same.

(4) The amounts specified in any provision of the Universal Credit Regulations set out in column (1) of Schedule 17 to this Order are the amounts set out in column (2) of that Schedule.

Commencement Information

I40 Art. 28 comes into force in accordance with art. 1(1)(o)

Valid from 09/05/2017

PART 8 N.I. REVOCATIONS

Revocations N.I.

29.  The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order (Northern Ireland) 2015(72) save for Articles 16(3), 18, 19(5) and (8)(a), 21, 22(3), 23, 25(2) and (4)(a) and Schedules 2, 5, 9 and 14 and the Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order (Northern Ireland) 2016(73) are revoked.

Commencement Information

I41 Art. 29 in operation at 9.5.2017, see art. 1(1)(p)

Sealed with the Official Seal of the Department for Communities on 15th March 2017

(L.S.)

Maeve Walls

A senior officer of the Department for Communities