The Social Fund and Income-Related Benefits (Miscellaneous Amendments and Savings) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2018

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations amend social security legislation as a consequence of the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018 (asp 9) and Regulations made under section 32 of that Act, which make provision for the payment by Scottish Ministers of early years assistance, including maternity and new-baby grants, to qualifying individuals.

Part 1 provides that these Regulations come into operation immediately after the coming into force of the first Regulations made under section 32 of the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018.

Part 2 contains consequential amendments to the Social Fund Maternity and Funeral Expenses (General) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005 (S.R. 2005 No. 506) so that recipients of a maternity and new-baby grant are not also eligible to receive a Sure Start Maternity Grant. Part 2 also contains a saving provision in relation to claims for Sure Start Maternity Grant made before the date on which maternity and new-baby grants become available under the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018.

Part 3 provides for early years assistance to be disregarded as income or capital when determining a claimant’s entitlement to benefits under the Income Support (General) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1987 (S.R. 1987 No. 459), the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996 (S.R. 1996 No. 198), the State Pension Credit Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 (S.R. 2003 No.28), the Housing Benefit Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 (S.R. 2006 No. 405), the Housing Benefit (Persons who have attained the qualifying age for state pension credit) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 (S.R. 2006 No. 406), and the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008 (S.R. 2008 No. 280).