The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order (NorthernIreland) 2021

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) 2021, 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 2021;

(b) Article 3—

(i) in so far as it relates to any increase to which Article 7(9)(b) applies, on 1st April 2021, and

(ii) for all other purposes on 12th April 2021;

(c) Articles 4, 5, 6, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19 and 20, on 12th April 2021;

(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 2021, 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 2021;

(f) Article 10, on 4th April 2021, 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 12th April 2021;

(g) Article 11, on 4th April 2021;

(h) Articles 17 and 18, on 15th April 2021;

(i) Articles 21, 22 and 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 12th April 2021, and for the purpose of this sub-paragraph “benefit week” has the same meaning as in the Income Support Regulations;

(j) Articles 24 and 25, in relation to a case where rent is payable at intervals of a week or any multiple thereof, on 5th April 2021, and in relation to any other case, on 1st April 2021;

(k) Articles 26, 27 and 28, 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 12th April 2021, and for the purpose of this sub-paragraph “benefit week” has the same meaning as in the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations 1996;

(l) Article 29, 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 12th April 2021, and for the purpose of this sub-paragraph “benefit week” has the same meaning as in the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations 2016;

(m) Article 30, 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 12th April 2021, and for the purpose of this sub-paragraph “benefit week” has the same meaning as in the State Pension Credit Regulations;

(n) Article 31, in so far as it relates to a particular beneficiary, on the first day of the first week to commence for that beneficiary on or after 12th April 2021, and for the purpose of this sub-paragraph “benefit week” has the same meaning as in the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2008;

(o) Article 32, 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 12th April 2021, and for the purposes of this sub-paragraph “benefit week” has the same meaning as in the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2016;

(p) Article 33, 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 12th April 2021, 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

(q) Article 34, on 10th May 2021.

(2) In so far as Articles 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 29 and 32 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 33 comes into operation for that beneficiary.

(3) The changes made in the sums specified for rates or amounts of benefits in—

(a) Articles 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 13 and 14; and

(b) Article 26(b), in so far as that sum is 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 for each case on the date specified in relation to that case in Article 7.

Commencement Information

I1 Art. 1 in operation at 1.4.2021, 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 Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2017” means the Employment and Support Allowance (Consequential Amendments and Transitional and Savings Provisions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017(9);

“the Great Britain Up-rating Order” means the Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2021(10);

“the Housing Benefit Regulations” means the Housing Benefit Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006(11);

“the Housing Benefit (Abolition of the Family Premium and date of claim) Regulations” means the Housing Benefit (Abolition of the Family Premium and date of claim) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016(12);

“the Housing Benefit (SPC) Regulations” means the Housing Benefit (Persons who have attained the qualifying age for state pension credit) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006(13);

“the Income Support Regulations” means the Income Support (General) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1987(14);

“the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations 1996” means the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996(15);

“the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations 2016” means the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016(16)

“the Loans for Mortgage Interest Regulations” means the Loans for Mortgage Interest Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017(17);

“the State Pension Credit Regulations” means the State Pension Credit Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003(18); and

“the Universal Credit Regulations” means the Universal Credit Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016(19).

(2) Subject to paragraph (3), the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954(20) 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 1.4.2021, 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 benefits, etc.), except paragraph 5 of Part III of that Schedule (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 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(21), the sums specified for the increase in 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 1.4.2021 for specified purposes, see art.1(1)(b)(i)(2)(3)

I4 Art. 3 in operation at 12.4.2021 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 0.5 per cent.

(3) In section 44(4) of the Contributions and Benefits Act(22) (basic pension of Category A retirement pension)—

(a) for “£109∙50” substitute “£110∙05”; and

(b) for “£134∙25” substitute “£137∙60”.

(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 2020-21;

(b) the increases in the rates of retirement pensions under Schedule 5 to the Contributions and Benefits Act(23) (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(24) 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(25), Article 64 of the Social Security (Northern Ireland) Order 1986(26) or section 132 of the Administration Act,

shall in each case be increased by 0.5 per cent.

(5) The sums which are shared additional pensions under sections 55A and 55AA of the Contributions and Benefits Act(27), and the sums which are increases in the rates of such pensions under paragraph 2 of Schedule 5A to that Act(28), shall in each case be increased by 0.5 per cent.

Commencement Information

I5 Art. 4 in operation at 1.4.2021 for specified purposes, see art. 1(1)(c)(2)(3)

I6 Art. 4 in operation at 1.4.2021 in so far as not already in force, 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(29)) shall be increased by 0.5 per cent. where the increase under section 11(1) is attributable to earnings factors for the tax year 1987-88 and earlier tax years(30).

Commencement Information

I7 Art. 5 in operation at 1.4.2021 for specified purposes, see art. 1(1)(c)(2)(3)

I8 Art. 5 in operation at 1.4.2021 in so far as not already in force, see art. 1(1)(c)(2)(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(31) (full rate of state pension) for “£175.20” substitute “£179∙60”.

(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 0.5 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;

(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 one or more other pensions under Part 1 of 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 one or more other pensions under Part 1 of that Act exceed the full rate,

shall in each case be increased by 0.5 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 1.4.2021 for specified purposes, see art. 1(1)(c)(2)(3)

I10 Art. 6 in operation at 1.4.2021 in so far as not already in force, see art. 1(1)(c)(2)(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) Paragraph (7), which is subject to the provisions of paragraph (9), and paragraphs (2) to (6), (8), (10) and (11) 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, Category B, Category C and Category D retirement pension and graduated retirement benefit together with, where appropriate, any increases for dependants, shall take effect on 12th April 2021.

(3) The increases in the sums mentioned in Article 5 shall take effect on 12th April 2021.

(4) Any increases in the sums specified for the rate of—

(i) attendance allowance, and

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

shall take effect on 12th April 2021.

(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, and

(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-paragraphs (a)(i), (ii) and (iv) in respect of dependants, and

(ii) disablement pension,

shall take effect on 14th April 2021.

(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(32) 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 12th April 2021.

(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 15th April 2021.

(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 7th April 2021.

(9) Any increase in the sum specified in Article 26(b), in so far as that sum is 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 12th April 2021;

(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 2021,

and for the purpose 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 12th April 2021.

(11) The increase in the sum mentioned in Article 14 shall take effect on 12th April 2021.

Commencement Information

I11 Art. 7 in operation at 1.4.2021, see art. 1(1)(a)

Earnings limits N.I.

8.  In section 80(4) of the Contributions and Benefits Act(33) (earnings limits in respect of child dependency increases)—

(a) in both places, the sum of “£245∙00” remains the same; and

(b) the sum of “£33∙00” remains the same.

Commencement Information

I12 Art. 8 comes into force in accordance with art. 1(1)(d)

Valid from 06/04/2021

Statutory sick pay N.I.

9.  In section 153(1) of the Contributions and Benefits Act(34) (rate of payment) for “£95∙85” substitute “£96∙35”.

Commencement Information

I13 Art. 9 in operation at 6.4.2021, see art. 1(1)(e)

Statutory maternity pay N.I.

10.  In regulation 6 of the Statutory Maternity Pay (General) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1987(35) (prescribed rate of statutory maternity pay) for “£151∙20” substitute “£151∙97”.

Commencement Information

I14 Art. 10 in operation at 1.4.2021 for specified purposes, see art. 1(1)(f)(2)

I15 Art. 10 in operation at 12.4.2021 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(36)—

(a) in regulation 2(a) (weekly rate of payment of statutory paternity pay) for “£151∙20” substitute “£151∙97”; and

(b) in regulation 3(a) (weekly rate of payment of statutory adoption pay) for “£151∙20” substitute “£151∙97”.

(2) In regulation 40(1)(a) of the Statutory Shared Parental Pay (General) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015(37) (weekly rate of payment of statutory shared parental pay) for “£151∙20” substitute “£151∙97”.

Commencement Information

I16 Art. 11 in operation at 4.4.2021, see art. 1(1)(g)

Graduated retirement benefit N.I.

12.—(1) In section 35(1) of the National Insurance Act (Northern Ireland) 1966(38) (graduated retirement benefit)—

(a) the sum of 14∙40 pence shall be increased by 0.5 per cent.; and

(b) the reference in that provision to that sum shall have effect as a reference to 14∙47 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(39) (increases for deferred entitlement to a Category A or Category B retirement pension) shall be increased by 0.5 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(40) (increases of graduated retirement benefit and lump sums) shall be increased by 0.5 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 0.5 per cent.

Commencement Information

I17 Art. 12 in operation at 1.4.2021 for specified purposes, see art. 1(1)(c)(2)(3)

I18 Art. 12 in operation at 1.4.2021 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(41) (Category C retirement pension for widows of men over pensionable age on 5th July 1948) for “£80∙45” substitute “£82∙45”.

Commencement Information

I19 Art. 13 in operation at 1.4.2021 for specified purposes, see art. 1(1)(c)(2)(3

I20 Art. 13 in operation at 1.4.2021 in so far as not already in force, see art. 1(1)(c)(2)(3)

Maximum additional pension N.I.

14.  In regulation 2A of the Social Security (Maximum Additional Pension) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010(42) (prescribed maximum additional pension for survivors who become entitled on or after 6th April 2016) for “£179∙41” substitute “£180∙31”.

Commencement Information

I21 Art. 14 in operation at 1.4.2021 for specified purposes, see art. 1(1)(c)(2)(3

I22 Art. 14 in operation at 1.4.2021 in so far as not already in force, see art. 1(1)(c)(2)(3)

Valid from 12/04/2021

Disability living allowance N.I.

15.  In regulation 4 of the Social Security (Disability Living Allowance) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1992(43) (rate of benefit)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(a) for “£89∙15” substitute “£89∙60”;

(b) in paragraph (1)(b) for “£59∙70” substitute “£60∙00”;

(c) in paragraph (1)(c) for “£23∙60” substitute “£23∙70”;

(d) in paragraph (2)(a) for “£62∙25” substitute “£62∙55”; and

(e) in paragraph (2)(b) for “£23∙60” substitute “£23∙70”.

Commencement Information

I23 Art. 15 in operation at 12.4.2021, see art. 1(1)(c)

Valid from 12/04/2021

Personal independence payment N.I.

16.  In regulation 24 of the Personal Independence Payment Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016(44) (rate of personal independence payment)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(a) for “£59∙70” substitute “£60∙00”;

(b) in paragraph (1)(b) for “£89∙15” substitute “£89∙60”;

(c) in paragraph (2)(a) for “£23∙60” substitute “£23∙70”; and

(d) in paragraph (2)(b) for “£62∙25” substitute “£62∙55”.

Commencement Information

I24 Art. 16 in operation at 12.4.2021, see art. 1(1)(c)

Valid from 15/04/2021

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(45) (increase in rate of incapacity benefit where beneficiary is under prescribed age on the qualifying date)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (a) for “£23∙30” substitute “£23∙40”; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (b) for “£11∙70” substitute “£11∙75”.

(2) In so far as a claimant entitled to long-term incapacity benefit corresponds to a claimant under Article 17(2) of the Great Britain Up-rating Order, the sums specified in regulation 9(2)(a) and (b) of the Social Security (Incapacity Benefit) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1994 shall be increased to £12∙15 and £6∙75 respectively.

Commencement Information

I25 Art. 17 in operation at 12.4.2021 in so far as not already in force, see art. 1(1)(h)(2)

I26 Art. 17 in operation at 15.4.2021 for specified purposes, see art. 1(1)(h)(2)

Valid from 15/04/2021

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(46) (rate of long-term incapacity benefit in transitional cases)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (a) for “£23∙30” substitute “£23∙40;

(b) in sub-paragraph (b) for “£14∙90” substitute “£15∙00”; and

(c) in sub-paragraph (c) for “£7∙45” substitute “£7∙50”.

(2) In so far as a claimant entitled to long-term incapacity benefit corresponds to a claimant under Article 18(2) of the Great Britain Up-rating Order, the sums specified in regulation 18(2)(a), (b) and (c) of the Social Security (Incapacity Benefit) (Transitional) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 shall be increased to £12∙15, £6∙75 and £6∙75 respectively.

Commencement Information

I27 Art. 18 in operation at 12.4.2021 in so far as not already in force, see art. 1(1)(h)(2)

I28 Art. 18 in operation at 15.4.2021 for specified purposes, see art. 1(1)(h)(2)

Bereavement benefits N.I.

19.  In the Rate of Bereavement Benefits Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010(47)—

(a) in regulation 2 (rate of widowed mother’s allowance and widow’s pension) for “£121∙95” substitute “£122∙55”; and

(b) in regulation 3 (rate of widowed parent’s allowance) for “£121∙95” substitute “£122∙55”.

Commencement Information

I29 Art. 19 in operation at 1.4.2021 for specified purposes, see art. 1(1)(c)(2)

I30 Art. 19 in operation at 1.4.2021 in so far as not already in force, see art. 1(1)(c)(2)

Valid from 12/04/2021

Bereavement support payment N.I.

20.  In regulation 3 of the Bereavement Support Payment (No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019(48) (rate of bereavement support payment)—

(a) in paragraph (1) the sum of £350 remains the same;

(b) in paragraph (2) the sum of £3,500 remains the same;

(c) in paragraph (4) the sum of £100 remains the same; and

(d) in paragraph (5) the sum of £2,500 remains the same.

Commencement Information

I31 Art. 20 in operation at 12.4.2021, see art. 1(1)(c)

PART 3 N.I. INCOME SUPPORT AND HOUSING BENEFIT

Valid from 12/04/2021

Applicable amounts for income support N.I.

21.—(1) The sums relevant to the calculation of an applicable amount as specified in the Income Support Regulations(49) shall be the sums set out in this Article and Schedules 2 and 3 to this Order; and unless stated otherwise, 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)(50); and

(b) paragraphs 13A(2)(a) and 14(2)(a) of Part III of Schedule 2(51),

the sum specified is in each case £3,000 (which remains the same).

(3) In Part I of Schedule 2 (applicable amounts: personal allowances)—

(a) the sums specified in paragraph 1 shall be as set out in Schedule 2 to this Order; and

(b) in paragraph 2(1), in sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of column (2) of the table for “£68∙27” substitute “£68∙60”.

(4) In paragraph 3(1) of Part II of Schedule 2(52) (applicable amounts: family premium) for the sum of £17∙60, in both places, substitute “£17∙65”.

(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 11(5) of Schedule 3(53) (general provisions applying to housing costs) as it has effect in a case falling within regulation 20 of the Loans for Mortgage Interest Regulations(54) the sum of £100,000 remains the same.

(7) In paragraph 18 of Schedule 3(55) (housing costs: non-dependant deductions)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (1) for “£102∙35” and “£15∙85” substitute “£102∙85” and “£15∙95” respectively; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (2)—

(i) in head (a) the sum “£149∙00” remains the same,

(ii) in head (b) the sums “£149∙00” and “£217∙00” remain the same and for “£36∙45” substitute “£36∙65”,

(iii) in head (c) the sums “£217∙00” and “£283∙00” remain the same and for “£50∙05” substitute “£50∙30”,

(iv) in head (d) the sums “£283∙00” and “£377∙00” remain the same and for “£81∙90” substitute “£82∙30”, and

(v) in head (e) the sums“£377∙00” and “£469∙00” remain the same and for “£93∙25” substitute “£93∙70”.

Commencement Information

I32 Art. 21 comes into force in accordance with art. 1(1)(i)

Valid from 12/04/2021

Income support transitional protection N.I.

22.  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(56) shall be increased by 0.5 per cent.

Commencement Information

I33 Art. 22 comes into force in accordance with art. 1(1)(i)

Valid from 12/04/2021

Relevant sum for income support N.I.

23.  In section 125(7) of the Contributions and Benefits Act (trade disputes) the sum “£41∙00” remains the same.

Commencement Information

I34 Art. 23 comes into force in accordance with art. 1(1)(i)

Housing benefit N.I.

24.—(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 4 and 5 to this Order; and unless stated otherwise, 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 remain the same.

(3) In regulation 72(57) (non-dependant deductions)—

(a) in paragraph (1) for “£102∙35” and “£15∙85” substitute “£102∙85” and “£15∙95” respectively; and

(b) in paragraph (2)—

(i) in sub-paragraph (a) the sum “£149∙00” remains the same,

(ii) in sub-paragraph (b) the sums “£149∙00” and “£217∙00” remain the same and for “£36∙45” substitute “£36∙65”,

(iii) in sub-paragraph (c) the sums “£217∙00” and “£283∙00” remain the same and for “£50∙05” substitute “£50∙30”,

(iv) in sub-paragraph (d) the sums “£283∙00” and “£377∙00” remain the same and for “£81∙90” substitute “£82∙30”, and

(v) in sub-paragraph (e) the sums “£377∙00” and “£469∙00” remain the same and for “£93∙25” substitute “£93∙70”.

(4) In Schedule 1(58) (ineligible service charges)—

(a) in paragraph 2 for “£29∙05”, “£29∙05”, “£14∙75”, “£19∙35”, “£19∙35” and “£9∙70” substitute “£29∙20”, “£29∙20”, “£14∙80”, “£19∙45”, “£19∙45”, “£9∙75” respectively and the sum “£3∙60” remains the same;

(b) in paragraph 6(2) the sums “£34∙30”, “£4∙00” and “£2∙75” remain the same.

(5) In Part I of Schedule 4 (applicable amounts: personal allowances)—

(a) the sums specified in paragraph 1 shall be as set out in Schedule 4 to this Order; and

(b) in paragraph 2(1), in sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of column (2) of the table for “£68∙27” substitute “£68∙60”.

(6) In paragraph 3(1) of Part II of Schedule 4(59) (applicable amounts: family premium) as it has effect in a case falling within regulation 5 (transitional provision) of the Housing Benefit (Abolition of the Family Premium and date of claim) Regulations—

(a) in sub-paragraph (a) the sum of £22∙20 remains the same; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (b), for “£17∙60” substitute “£17∙65”.

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

(8) In Part VI of Schedule 4(60) (amount of component)—

(a) in paragraph 25, as it has effect in cases falling within paragraphs 2 to 7 of Schedule 2 to the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2017, for “£29∙55” substitute “£29∙70”; and

(b) in paragraph 26, for “£39∙20” substitute “£39∙40”.

(9) In paragraph 17(1) and (3)(c) of Schedule 5(61) (sums to be disregarded in the calculation of earnings) the sum of £17∙10 remains the same.

(10) In paragraph 58 of Schedule 6(62) (sums to be disregarded in the calculation of income other than earnings) the sum of £17∙10 remains the same.

Commencement Information

I35 Art. 24 in operation at 1.4.2021 in so far as not already in force, see art. 1(1)(j)

I36 Art. 24 in operation at 5.4.2021 for specified purposes, see art. 1(1)(j)

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

25.—(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 6 and 7 to this Order; and unless stated otherwise, 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 remain the same.

(3) In regulation 53(63) (non-dependant deductions)—

(a) in paragraph (1) for “£102∙35” and “£15∙85” substitute “£102∙85” and “£15∙95” respectively; and

(b) in paragraph (2)—

(i) in sub-paragraph (a) the sum “£149∙00” remains the same,

(ii) in sub-paragraph (b) the sums “£149∙00” and “£217∙00” remain the same and for “£36∙45” substitute “£36∙65,

(iii) in sub-paragraph (c) the sums “£217∙00” and “£283∙00” remain the same and for “£50∙05” substitute “£50∙30”,

(iv) in sub-paragraph (d) the sums “£283∙00” and “£377∙00” remain the same and for “£81∙90” substitute “£82∙30”, and

(v) in sub-paragraph (e) the sums “£377∙00” and “£469∙00” remain the same and for “£93∙25” substitute “£93∙70”.

(4) In Schedule 1(64) (ineligible service charges)—

(a) in paragraph 2 for “£29∙05”, “£29∙05”, “£14∙75”, “£19∙35”, “£19∙35” and “£9∙70” substitute “£29∙20”, “£29∙20”, “£14∙80”, “£19∙45”, “£19∙45”, “£9∙75” respectively and the sum “£3∙60” remains the same; and

(b) in paragraph 6(2) the sums “£34∙30”, “£4∙00”, “£2∙75” and “£4∙00” remain the same.

(5) In Part I of Schedule 4(65) (applicable amounts: personal allowances)—

(a) the sums specified in paragraph 1 shall be as set out in Schedule 6 to this Order; and

(b) in paragraph 2(1), in sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of column (2) of the table for “£68∙27” substitute “£68∙60”.

(6) In paragraph 3(1) of Part II of Schedule 4(66) (applicable amounts: family premium) as it has effect in a case falling within regulation 5 (transitional provision) of the Housing Benefit (Abolition of Family Premium and date of claim) Regulations for “£17∙60” substitute “£17∙65”.

(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 7 to this Order.

(8) In paragraph 9(1) and (3)(c) of Schedule 5(67) (sums disregarded from claimant’s earnings) the sum of £17∙10 remains the same.

(9) In paragraph 22 of Schedule 6(68) (amounts to be disregarded in the calculation of income other than earnings) the sum of £17∙10 remains the same.

Commencement Information

I37 Art. 25 in operation at 1.4.2021 in so far as not already in force, see art. 1(1)(j)

I38 Art. 25 in operation at 5.4.2021 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.

26.  In regulation 79(1) of the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations 1996(69) (weekly amounts of contribution-based jobseeker’s allowance)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (a) for “£58∙90” substitute “£59∙20”; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (c) for “£74∙35” substitute “£74∙70”.

Commencement Information

I39 Art. 26 in operation at 12.4.2021 for specified purposes, see art. 1(1)(k)(3)(b)

I40 Art. 26(b) in operation at 1.4.2021 in so far as not already in operation, see art. 1(1)(k)(3)(b)

Valid from 12/04/2021

Applicable amounts for jobseeker’s allowance N.I.

27.—(1) The sums relevant to the calculation of an applicable amount as specified in the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations(70) shall be the sums set out in this Article and Schedules 8 to 10 to this Order, and unless stated otherwise, 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 1996 bearing that number.

(2) In—

(a) regulations 83(b), 84(1)(c) and 85(1)(71); and

(b) paragraphs 15A(2)(a) and 16(2)(a) of Part III of Schedule 1(72),

the sum specified is in each case £3,000 (which remains the same).

(3) In Part I of Schedule 1 (applicable amounts: personal allowances)—

(a) the sums specified in paragraph 1 shall be as set out in Schedule 8 to this Order; and

(b) in paragraph 2(1)(73), in sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of column (2) of the table for “£68∙27” substitute “£68∙60”.

(4) In paragraph 4(1) of Part II of Schedule 1(74) (applicable amounts: family premium) for the sum of “£17∙60”, in both places, substitute “£17∙65”.

(5) The sums specified in Part IV of Schedule 1 (applicable amounts: weekly amounts of premiums) shall be as set out in Schedule 9 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 10 to this Order.

(7) In paragraph 10(4) of Schedule 2(75) (general provisions applying to housing costs) as it has effect in a case falling within regulation 20 of the Loans for Mortgage Interest Regulations the sum of £100,000 remains the same.

(8) In paragraph 17 of Schedule 2(76) (housing costs: non-dependant deductions)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (1) for “£102∙35” and “£15∙85” substitute “£102∙85” and “£15∙95” respectively; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (2)—

(i) in head (a) the sum “£149∙00” remains the same,

(ii) in head (b) the sums “£149∙00” and “£217∙00” remain the same and for “£36∙45” substitute “£36∙65”,

(iii) in head (c) the sums “£217∙00” and “£283∙00” remain the same and for “£50∙05” substitute “£50∙30”,

(iv) in head (d) the sums “£283∙00” and “£377∙00” remain the same and for “£81∙90” substitute “£82∙30”, and

(v) in head (e) the sums “£377∙00” and “£469∙00” remain the same and for “£93∙25” substitute “£93∙70”.

Commencement Information

I41 Art. 27 comes into force in accordance with art. 1(1)(k)

Valid from 12/04/2021

Prescribed sum for the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations 1996 N.I.

28.  In regulation 170 of the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations 1996(77) (trade disputes: prescribed sum) the sum “£41∙00” remains the same.

Commencement Information

I42 Art. 28 comes into force in accordance with art. 1(1)(k)

Amounts for the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations 2016 N.I.

29.  In regulation 49 of the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations 2016 (weekly amounts of jobseeker’s allowance)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(a) for “£58∙90” substitute “£59∙20”; and

(b) in paragraph (1)(b) for “£74∙35” substitute “£74∙70”.

Commencement Information

I43 Art. 29 in operation at 1.4.2021 for specified purposes, see art. 1(1)(l)(2)

I44 Art. 29 in operation at 12.4.2021 in so far as not already in force, see art. 1(1)(I)(2)

Valid from 12/04/2021

PART 5 N.I. STATE PENSION CREDIT

State pension credit N.I.

30.—(1) The sums specified in the State Pension Credit Regulations shall be the sums set out in this Article, and unless stated otherwise, 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(78) (amount of the guarantee credit)—

(a) in paragraph (1) for “£265∙20” and “£173∙75” substitute “£270∙30” and “£177∙10” respectively;

(b) in paragraph (5) for “£66∙95” and “£133∙90” substitute “£67∙30” and “£134∙60” respectively; and

(c) in paragraph (8) for “£37∙50” substitute “£37∙70”.

(3) In regulation 7(2)(79) (savings credit) for “£150∙47” and “£239∙17” substitute “£153∙70” and “£244∙12” respectively.

(4) In paragraph 8(2) of Schedule 2(80) (general provisions applying to housing costs) as it has effect in a case falling within regulation 20 of the Loans for Mortgage Interest Regulations the sum of £100,000 remains the same.

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

(a) in sub-paragraph (1)(81) for “£102∙35” and “£15∙85” substitute “£102∙85” and “£15∙95” respectively; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (2)(82)—

(i) in head (a) the sum “£149∙00” remains the same,

(ii) in head (b) the sums “£149∙00” and “£217∙00” remain the same and for “£36∙45” substitute “£36∙65”,

(iii) in head (c) the sums “£217∙00” and “£283∙00” remain the same and for “£50∙05” substitute “£50∙30”,

(iv) in head (d) the sums “£283∙00” and “£377∙00” remain the same and for “£81∙90” substitute “£82∙30”, and

(v) in head (e) the sums “£377∙00” and “£469∙00” remain the same and for “£93∙25” substitute “£93∙70”.

(6) In paragraph 9 of Schedule 2A(83) (additional amount applicable for claimants responsible for a child or qualifying young person: amount of additional payment)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (1)(a) for “£54∙32” substitute “£54∙60”; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (1)(b)—

(i) for “£29∙52” substitute “£29∙66”, and

(ii) for “£92∙12” substitute “£92∙54”.

(7) In paragraph 10 of Schedule 2A (additional amount applicable for claimants responsible for a child or qualifying young person: amount for the eldest child or qualifying young person born before 6th April 2017) for “£64∙82” substitute “£65∙10”.

(8) In paragraph 1 of Schedule 3(84) (special groups: polygamous marriages)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (5), in the substituted regulation 6(1), for “£265∙20” and “£91∙45” substitute “£270∙30” and “£93∙20” respectively; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (7), in the substituted regulation 7(2), for “£239∙17” substitute “£244∙12”.

Commencement Information

I45 Art. 30 comes into force in accordance with art. 1(1)(m)

Valid from 12/04/2021

PART 6 N.I. EMPLOYMENT AND SUPPORT ALLOWANCE

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

31.—(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 11 and 12 to this Order; and unless stated otherwise, 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 1 of Schedule 4 (prescribed amounts) shall be as set out in paragraph 1 of Schedule 11 to this Order except in cases referred to in paragraph (3).

(3) In cases falling within paragraphs 2 to 7 of Schedule 2 to the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2017(85), the sums specified in paragraph 1 of Schedule 4 to the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2008 shall be as set out in paragraph 2 of Schedule 11 to this Order.

(4) The sums specified in Part 3 of Schedule 4 (weekly amount of premiums specified in Part 2) shall be as set out in paragraph 1 of Schedule 12 to this Order.

(5) In cases falling within paragraphs 2 to 7 of Schedule 2 to the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2017, the sums specified in paragraph 11(1) of Schedule 4 to the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2008 shall be as set out in paragraph 2 of Schedule 12 to this Order.

(6) In Part 4 of Schedule 4(86) (the component)—

(a) in cases falling within paragraphs 2 to 7 of Schedule 2 to the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2017, in paragraph 12 for “£29∙55” substitute “£29∙70”; and

(b) in paragraph 13 for “£39∙20” substitute “£39∙40”.

(7) In paragraph 12 of Schedule 6 (general provisions applying to housing costs) as it has effect in a case falling within regulation 20 of the Loans for Mortgage Interest Regulations—

(a) in sub-paragraph (4)(87) the sum of £100,000 remains the same;

(b) in sub-paragraph (12)(b)(88) the sum of £150,000 remains the same; and

(c) in sub-paragraph (12)(c) the sum of £125,000 remains the same.

(8) In paragraph 19 of Schedule 6(89) (housing costs: non-dependant deductions)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (1) for “£102∙35” and “£15∙85” substitute “£102∙85” and “£15∙95” respectively; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (2)—

(i) in head (a) the sum “£149∙00” remains the same,

(ii) in head (b) the sums “£149∙00” and “£217∙00” remain the same and for “£36∙45” substitute “£36∙65”,

(iii) in head (c) the sums “£217∙00” and “£283∙00” remain the same and for “£50∙05” substitute “£50∙30”,

(iv) in head (d) the sums “£283∙00” and “£377∙00” remain the same and for “£81∙90” substitute “£82∙30”, and

(v) in head (e) the sums “£377∙00” and “£469∙00” remain the same and for “£93∙25” substitute “£93∙70”.

Commencement Information

I46 Art. 31 comes into force in accordance with art. 1(1)(n)

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

32.—(1) In regulation 62 of the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2016(90) (prescribed amounts)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(a) and (b)(i) for “£74∙35” substitute “£74∙70”;

(b) in paragraph (1)(b)(ii) for “£58∙90” substitute “£59∙20”; and

(c) in paragraph (2) for “£39∙20” substitute “£39∙40”.

(2) In regulation 62(2) of the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2016 (prescribed amounts), as it has effect in cases falling within paragraphs 2 to 7 of Schedule 2 to the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2017—

(a) in sub-paragraph (a) for “£29∙55” substitute “£29∙70”; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (b) for “£39∙20” substitute “£39∙40”.

(3) In regulation 62 of the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2016 (prescribed amounts) as modified by paragraph 4(f) of Schedule 2 to the Employment and Support Allowance (Transitional Provisions and Housing Benefit) (Existing Awards) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010(91) as that paragraph is modified by paragraph 21(4)(e) of Schedule 3 to the Welfare Reform (Northern Ireland) Order 2015 (Commencement No. 8 and Transitional and Transitory Provisions) Order 2017(92)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(a)(i) and (ii)(aa) for “£74∙35” substitute “£74∙70”; and

(b) in paragraph (1)(a)(ii)(bb) for “£58∙90” substitute “£59∙20”.

Commencement Information

I47 Art. 32 in operation at 12.4.2021 for specified purposes, see art. 1(1)(o)(2)

I48 Art. 32 in operation at 12.4.2021 in so far as not already in force, see art. 1(1)(o)(2)

Valid from 12/04/2021

PART 7 N.I. UNIVERSAL CREDIT

Universal credit N.I.

33.—(1) In the table in regulation 23 of the Universal Credit Regulations(93) (deduction of income and work allowance)—

(a) for “£512”, in each place where it occurs, substitute “£515”; and

(b) for “£292”, in each place where it occurs, substitute “£293”.

(2) The amounts specified in the table in regulation 38 of the Universal Credit Regulations (amounts of elements) shall be as set out in Schedule 13 to this Order.

(3) In paragraph 13(1) of Schedule 4 to the Universal Credit Regulations(94) (amount of housing cost contributions) for “£75∙15” substitute “£75∙53”.

(4) In Part 4 of Schedule 5 to the Universal Credit Regulations (calculation of amount of housing costs for owner-occupiers)—

(a) in paragraph 10(2) Step 3; and

(b) in paragraph 11(2) Step 2,

as those paragraphs have effect in a case falling within regulation 20 of the Loans for Mortgage Interest Regulations the sum of £200,000 remains the same.

Commencement Information

I49 Art. 33 comes into force in accordance with art. 1(1)(p)

Prospective

PART 8 N.I. REVOCATIONS

Revocations N.I.

34.  The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order (Northern Ireland) 2020(95) is revoked.

Commencement Information

I50 Art. 34 in operation at 10.5.2021, see art. 1(1)(q)

Sealed with the Official Seal of the Department for Communities on 25th March 2021

(L.S.)

Anne McCleary

A senior officer of the Department for Communities