Social Security Administration Act 1992

Part XI U.K. Computation Of Benefits

155 Effect of alternation of rates of benefit under Part II and V of Contributions and Benefits Act U.K.

(1) This section has effect where the rate of any benefit to which this section applies is altered—

(a) by an Act subsequent to this Act;

(b) by an order under section 150[F1 , 150A] or 152 above; or

(c) in consequence of any such Act or order altering any maximum rate of benefit;

and in this section “the commencing date” means the date fixed for payment of benefit at an altered rate to commence.

(2) This section applies to benefit under Part II, III, IV or V of the Contributions and Benefits Act.

(3) Subject to such exceptions or conditions as may be prescribed, where—

(a) the weekly rate of a benefit to which this section applies is altered to a fixed amount higher or lower than the previous amount; and

(b) before the commencing date an award of that benefit has been made (whether before or after the passing of the relevant Act or the making of the relevant order),

except as respects any period falling before the commencing date, the benefit shall become payable at the altered rate without any claim being made for it in the case of an increase in the rate of benefit or any review of the award in the case of a decrease, and the award shall have effect accordingly.

(4) Where—

(a) the weekly rate of a benefit to which this section applies is altered; and

(b) before the commencing date (but after that date is fixed) an award is made of the benefit,

the award either may provide for the benefit to be paid as from the commencing date at the altered rate or may be expressed in terms of the rate appropriate at the date of the award.

(5) Where in consequence of the passing of an Act, or the making of an order, altering the rate of disablement pension, regulations are made varying the scale of disablement gratuities, the regulations may provide that the scale as varied shall apply only in cases where the period taken into account by the assessment of the extent of the disablement in respect of which the gratuity is awarded begins or began after such day as may be prescribed.

(6) Subject to such exceptions or conditions as may be prescribed, where—

(a) for any purpose of any Act or regulations the weekly rate at which a person contributes to the cost of providing for a child [F2 or qualifying young person], or to the maintenance of an adult dependant, is to be calculated for a period beginning on or after the commencing date for an increase in the weekly rate of benefit; but

(b) account is to be taken of amounts referable to the period before the commencing date,

those amounts shall be treated as increased in proportion to the increase in the weekly rate of benefit.

(7) So long as sections 36 and 37 of the M1 National Insurance Act 1965 (graduated retirement benefit) continue in force by virtue of regulations made under Schedule 3 to the M2 Social Security (Consequential Provisions) Act 1975 or under Schedule 3 to the Consequential Provisions Act, regulations may make provision for applying the provisions of this section—

[F3 (a) to the amount of graduated retirement benefit payable for each unit of graduated contributions,

(b) to increases of such benefit under any provisions made by virtue of section 24(1)(b) of the Social Security Pensions Act 1975 or section 62(1)(a) of the Contributions and Benefits Act, and

(c) to any addition under section 37(1) of the National Insurance Act 1965 (addition to weekly rate of retirement pension for [F4 widows, widowers and surviving civil partners] to the amount of such benefit)].

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in s. 155(1)(b) inserted (with effect in accordance with s. 5(3)-(7) of the amending Act) by Pensions Act 2007 (c. 22), s. 30(1)(a)(3), Sch. 1 para. 23

F2 Words in s. 155(6) inserted (10.4.2006) by Child Benefit Act 2005 (c. 6), s. 6(2), Sch. 1 para. 23

F3 Words in s. 155(7) substituted (19.7.1995) by Pensions Act 1995 (c. 26), ss. 131(3), 180(2)

F4 Words in s. 155(7)(c) substituted (5.12.2005) by The Civil Partnership (Pensions and Benefit Payments) (Consequential, etc. Provisions) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/2053), art. 1(3), Sch. para. 9

Marginal Citations

M1 1965 c. 51.

M2 1975 c. 18

[F5 155A Power to anticipate pensions up-rating order U.K.

(1) This section applies where a statement is made in the House of Commons by or on behalf of the Secretary of State which specifies—

(a) the amounts by which he proposes, by an order under section [F6 150 or 150A above (as the case may be)], to increase—

(i) the weekly sums that are payable by way of retirement pension [F7 or shared additional pension]; or

(ii) the amount of graduated retirement benefit payable for each unit of graduated contributions; and

(b) the date on which he proposes to bring the increases into force (“the commencing date”).

(2) Where, before the commencing date and after the date on which the statement is made, an award is made of a retirement pension[F8 , a shared additional pension] or a graduated retirement benefit, the award either may provide for the pension or benefit to be paid as from the commencing date at the increased rate or may be expressed in terms of the rate appropriate at the date of the award.]

Textual Amendments

F5 S. 155A inserted (16.11.1998) by Social Security Act 1998 (c. 14), ss. 76, 87(2); S.I. 1998/2780, art. 2(b)

F6 Words in s. 155A(1)(a) substituted (with effect in accordance with s. 5(3)-(7) of the amending Act) by Pensions Act 2007 (c. 22), s. 30(1)(a)(3), Sch. 1 para. 24

F7 Words in s. 155A(1)(a)(i) inserted (1.12.2000) by Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999 (c. 30), s. 89(1), Sch. 12 para. 25(2); S.I. 2000/1047, art. 2(2)(d), Sch. Pt. IV

F8 Words in s. 155A(2) inserted (1.12.2000) by Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999 (c. 30), s. 89(1), Sch. 12 para. 25(3); S.I. 2000/1047, art. 2(2)(d), Sch. Pt. IV

[F9 156 Up-rating under section 150 above of pensions increased under section 52(3) of the Contributions and Benefits Act U.K.

(1) This section applies in any case where a person is entitled to a Category A retirement pension with an increase, under section 52(3) of the Contributions and Benefits Act, in the additional pension on account of the contributions of a spouse [F10 or civil partner] who had died.

(2) Where in the case of any up-rating order under section 150 above—

(a) the spouse's [F11 or civil partner's] final relevant year is the tax year preceding the tax year in which the up-rating order comes into force, but

(b) the person's final relevant year was an earlier tax year,

then the up-rating order shall not have effect in relation to that part of the additional pension which is attributable to the spouse's [F11 or civil partner's] contributions.

(3) Where in the case of any up-rating order under section 150 above—

(a) the person's final relevant year is the tax year preceding the tax year in which the up-rating order comes into force, but

(b) the spouse's [F11 or civil partner's] final relevant year was an earlier tax year,

then the up-rating order shall not have effect in relation to that part of the additional pension which is attributable to the person's contributions.]

Textual Amendments

F9 S. 156 substituted (19.7.1995) by Pensions Act 1995 (c. 26), ss. 130(1), 180(2)

F10 Words in s. 156(1) inserted (5.12.2005) by Civil Partnership Act 2004 (c. 33), s. 263(8)(d), Sch. 24 para. 66(a); S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

F11 Words in s. 156(2)(3) inserted (5.12.2005) by Civil Partnership Act 2004 (c. 33), s. 263(8)(d), Sch. 24 para. 66(b); S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

157 Effect of alteration of rates of child benefit U.K.

(1) Subsections (3) and (4) of section 155 above shall have effect where there is an increase in the rate or any of the rates of child benefit as they have effect in relation to the rate of benefit to which that section applies.

(2) Where in connection with child benefit—

(a) any question arises in respect of a period after the date fixed for the commencement of payment of child benefit at an increased rate—

(i) as to the weekly rate at which a person is contributing to the cost of providing for a child [F12 or qualifying young person]; or

(ii) as to the expenditure that a person is incurring in respect of a child [F12 or qualifying young person]; and

(b) in determining that question account falls to be taken of contributions made or expenditure incurred for a period before that date,

the contributions made or expenditure incurred before that date shall be treated as increased in proportion to the increase in the rate of benefit.

Textual Amendments

F12 Words in s. 157(2) inserted (10.4.2006) by Child Benefit Act 2005 (c. 6), s. 6(2), Sch. 1 para. 24

158 Treatment of excess benefit as paid on account of child benefit U.K.

(1) In any case where—

(a) any benefit as defined in section 122 of the Contributions and Benefits Act or any increase of such benefit (“the relevant benefit or increase”) has been paid to a person for a period in respect of a child [F13 or qualifying young person]; and

(b) subsequently child benefit for that period in respect of the child [F14 or qualifying young person] becomes payable at a rate which is such that, had the relevant benefit or increase been awarded after the child benefit became payable, the rate of the relevant benefit or increase would have been reduced,

then, except in so far as regulations otherwise provide, the excess shall be treated as paid on account of child benefit for that period in respect of the child [F14 or qualifying young person].

(2) In subsection (1) above “the excess” means so much of the relevant benefit or increase as is equal to the difference between—

(a) the amount of it which was paid for the period referred to in that subsection; and

(b) the amount of it which would have been paid for that period if it had been paid at the reduced rate referred to in paragraph (b) of that subsection.

Textual Amendments

F13 Words in s. 158(1) inserted (10.4.2006) by Child Benefit Act 2005 (c. 6), s. 6(2), Sch. 1 para. 25(a)

F14 Words in s. 158(1) inserted (10.4.2006) by Child Benefit Act 2005 (c. 6), s. 6(2), Sch. 1 para. 25(b)

159 Effect of alteration in the component rates of income support U.K.

(1) Subject to such exceptions and conditions as may be prescribed, where—

(a) an award of income support is in force in favour of any person (“the recipient”); and

(b) there is an alteration in any of the relevant amounts, that is to say—

(i) any of the component rates of income support;

(ii) any of the other sums specified in regulations under Part VII of the Contributions and Benefits Act; or

(iii) the recipient's benefit income; and

(c) the alteration affects the computation of the amount of income support to which the recipient is entitled,

then subsection (2) or (3) below (as the case may be) shall have effect.

(2) Where, in consequence of the alteration in question, the recipient becomes entitled to an increased or reduced amount of income support (“the new amount”), then, as from the commencing date, the amount of income support payable to or for the recipient under the award shall be the new amount, without any further decision of [F15 the Secretary of State], and the award shall have effect accordingly.

(3) Where, notwithstanding the alteration in question, the recipient continues on and after the commencing date to be entitled to the same amount of income support as before, the award shall continue in force accordingly.

(4) In any case where—

(a) there is an alteration in any of the relevant amount; and

(b) before the commencing date (but after that date is fixed) an award of income support is made in favour of a person,

the award either may provide for income support to be paid as from the commencing date, in which case the amount shall be determined by reference to the relevant amounts which will be in force on that date, or may provide for an amount determined by reference to the amounts in force at the date of the award.

(5) In this section—

• “alteration” means—

  (a)

  in relation to—

  (i)

  the component rates of income support; or

  (ii)

  any other sums specified in regulations under Part VII of the Contributions and Benefits Act,

  their alteration by or under any enactment whether or not contained in that Part; and

  (b)

  in relation to a person's benefit income, the alteration of any of the sums referred to in section 150 [F16 or 150A] above—

  (i)

  by any enactment; or

  (ii)

  by an order under section 150[F17 , 150A] or 152 above,

  to the extent that any such alteration affects the amount of his benefit income;

• “benefit income”, in relation to any person, means so much of his income as consists of—

  (a)

  benefit under the Contributions and Benefits Act, other than income support;

  (aa)

  [F18 personal independence payment;] or

  (b)

  a war disablement pension or war widow's pension;

• “the commencing date” in relation to an alteration, means the date on which the alteration comes into force in the case of the person in question;

• “component rate”, in relation to income support, means the amount of—

  (a)

  the sum referred to in section 126(5)(b)(i) and (ii) of the Contributions and Benefits Act; or

  (b)

  any of the sums specified in regulations under section 135(1) of that Act; and

• “relevant amounts” has the meaning given by subsection (1)(b) above.

Textual Amendments

F15 Words in s. 159(2) substituted (29.11.1999 for specified purposes) by Social Security Act 1998 (c. 14), s. 87(2), Sch. 7 para. 95; S.I. 1999/3178, art. 2(1)(a), Sch. 1

F16 Words in s. 159(5) inserted (with effect in accordance with s. 5(3)-(7) of the amending Act) by Pensions Act 2007 (c. 22), s. 30(1)(a)(3), Sch. 1 para. 25(a)

F17 Word in s. 159(5) inserted (with effect in accordance with s. 5(3)-(7) of the amending Act) by Pensions Act 2007 (c. 22), s. 30(1)(a)(3), Sch. 1 para. 25(b)

F18 Words in s. 159(5) inserted (8.4.2013 for specified purposes, 10.6.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5), s. 150(3), Sch. 9 para. 18; S.I. 2013/358, art. 7(1)(2)(k), Sch. 3; S.I. 2013/1250, art. 2

[F19 159A Effect of alteration of rates of a jobseeker's allowance U.K.

(1) This section applies where—

(a) an award of a jobseeker's allowance is in force in favour of any person (“the recipient”); and

(b) an alteration—

(i) in any component of the allowance, or

(ii) in the recipient's benefit income,

affects the amount of the jobseeker's allowance to which he is entitled.

(2) Subsection (3) applies where, as a result of the alteration, the amount of the jobseeker's allowance to which the recipient is entitled is increased or reduced.

(3) As from the commencing date, the amount of the jobseeker's allowance payable to or for the recipient under the award shall be the increased or reduced amount, without any further decision of [F20 the Secretary of State]; and the award shall have effect accordingly.

(4) In any case where—

(a) there is an alteration of a kind mentioned in subsection (1)(b); and

(b) before the commencing date (but after that date is fixed) an award of a jobseeker's allowance is made in favour of a person.

the award may provide for the jobseeker's allowance to be paid as from the commencing date, in which case the amount of the jobseeker's allowance shall be determined by reference to the components applicable on that date, or may provide for an amount determined by reference to the components applicable at the date of the award.

(5) In this section—

• “alteration” means—

  (a)

  in relation to any component of a jobseeker's allowance, its alteration by or under any enactment; and

  (b)

  in relation to a person's benefit income, the alteration of any of the sums referred to in section 150 [F21 or 150A] above by any enactment or by an order under section 150 [F21 or 150A] above, to the extent that any such alteration affects the amount of the recipient's benefit income;

• “benefit income”, in relation to a recipient, means so much of his income as consists of—

  (a)

  benefit under the Contributions and Benefits Act;

  (ab)

  [F22 personal independence payment;] or

  (b)

  a war disablement pension or war widow's pension;

• “the commencing date” in relation to an alteration, means the date on which the alteration comes into force in relation to the recipient;

• “component”, in relation to a jobseeker's allowance, means any of the sums specified in regulations under the Jobseekers Act 1995 which are relevant in calculating the amount payable by way of a jobseeker's allowance.]

Textual Amendments

F19 S. 159A inserted (7.10.96) by Jobseekers Act 1995 (c. 18), ss. 24, 41(2); S.I. 1996/2208, art. 2(b)

F20 Words in s. 159A(3) substituted (18.10.1999 for specified purposes) by Social Security Act 1998 (c. 14), s. 87(2), Sch. 7 para. 96; S.I. 1999/2860, art. 2(c), Sch. 1

F21 Words in s. 159A(5) inserted (with effect in accordance with s. 5(3)-(7) of the amending Act) by Pensions Act 2007 (c. 22), s. 30(1)(a)(3), Sch. 1 para. 26

F22 Words in s. 159A(5) inserted (8.4.2013 for specified purposes, 10.6.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5), s. 150(3), Sch. 9 para. 19; S.I. 2013/358, art. 7(1)(2)(k), Sch. 3; S.I. 2013/1250, art. 2

[F23 159B Effect of alterations affecting state pension credit U.K.

(1) Subject to such exceptions and conditions as may be prescribed, subsection (2) or (3) below shall have effect where—

(a) an award of state pension credit is in force in favour of any person (“the recipient”); and

(b) an alteration—

(i) in any component of state pension credit,

(ii) in the recipient's benefit income,

(iii) in any component of a contribution-based jobseeker's allowance,

[F24 (iiia) in any component of a contributory employment and support allowance,] or

(iv) in the recipient's war disablement pension or war widow's or widower's pension,

affects the computation of the amount of state pension credit to which he is entitled.

(2) Where, as a result of the alteration, the amount of state pension credit to which the recipient is entitled is increased or reduced, then, as from the commencing date, the amount of state pension credit payable in the case of the recipient under the award shall be the increased or reduced amount, without any further decision of the Secretary of State; and the award shall have effect accordingly.

(3) Where, notwithstanding the alteration, the recipient continues on and after the commencing date to be entitled to the same amount of state pension credit as before, the award shall continue in force accordingly.

(4) Subsection (5) below applies where a statement is made in the House of Commons by or on behalf of the Secretary of State which specifies—

(a) in relation to any of the items referred to in subsection (1)(b)(i) to (iv) above, the amount of the alteration which he proposes to make by an order under section 150[F25 , 150A] or 152 above or by or under any other enactment; and

(b) the date on which he proposes to bring the alteration into force (“the proposed commencing date”).

(5) If, in a case where this subsection applies, an award of state pension credit is made in favour of a person before the proposed commencing date and after the date on which the statement is made, the award—

(a) may provide for state pension credit to be paid as from the proposed commencing date at a rate determined by reference to the amounts of the items specified in subsection (1)(b)(i) to (iv) above which will be in force on that date; or

(b) may be expressed in terms of the amounts of those items in force at the date of the award.

(6) In this section—

• “alteration” means—

  (a)

  in relation to any component of state pension credit, its alteration by or under any enactment;

  (b)

  in relation to a person's benefit income, the alteration of any of the sums referred to in section 150 [F26 or 150A] above by any enactment or by an order under section 150[F27 , 150A] or 152 above to the extent that any such alteration affects the amount of his benefit income;

  (c)

  in relation to any component of a contribution-based jobseeker's allowance, its alteration by or under any enactment; and

  (d)

  in relation to a person's war disablement pension or war widow's or widower's pension, its alteration by or under any enactment;

• “benefit income”, in relation to a person, means so much of his income as consists of benefit under the Contributions and Benefits Act [F28 or personal independence payment];

• “the commencing date”, in relation to an alteration, means the date on which the alteration comes into force in relation to the recipient;

• “component”—

  (a)

  in relation to contribution-based jobseeker's allowance, means any of the sums specified in regulations under the Jobseekers Act 1995 (c. 18) which are relevant in calculating the amount payable by way of a jobseeker's allowance;

  (b)

  in relation to state pension credit, means any of the sums specified in regulations under section 2, 3 or 12 of the State Pension Credit Act 2002;

  (c)

  [F29 in relation to a contributory employment and support allowance, means any of the sums specified in regulations under Part 1 of the Welfare Reform Act 2007 which are relevant in calculating the amount payable by way of a contributory employment and support allowance;]

• “war disablement pension” means—

  (a)

  any retired pay, pension or allowance granted in respect of disablement under powers conferred by or under—

  (i)

  the Air Force (Constitution) Act 1917 (c. 51);

  (ii)

  the Personal Injuries (Emergency Provisions) Act 1939 (c. 82);

  (iii)

  the Pensions (Navy, Army, Air Force and Mercantile Marine) Act 1939 (c. 83);

  (iv)

  the Polish Resettlement Act 1947 (c. 19); or

  (v)

  Part 7 or section 151 of the Reserve Forces Act 1980 (c. 9); or

  (b)

  without prejudice to paragraph (a), any retired pay or pension to which [F30 any of paragraphs (a) to (f) of section 641(1) of the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003] applies;

• “war widow's or widower's pension” means—

  (a)

  [F31 any widow's, widower’s or surviving civil partner's] pension or allowance granted in respect of a death due to service or war injury and payable by virtue of any enactment mentioned in paragraph (a) of the definition of “war disablement pension”; or

  (b)

  a pension or allowance for a [F32 widow, widower or surviving civil partner] granted under any scheme mentioned in [F33 section 641(1)(e) or (f) of the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003].]

Textual Amendments

F23 S. 159B inserted (2.7.2002 for specified purposes, 6.10.2003 in so far as not already in force) by State Pension Credit Act 2002 (c. 16), s. 22(3), Sch. 2 para. 17; S.I. 2002/1691, art. 2(l); S.I. 2003/1766, art. 2(a)

F24 S. 159B(1)(b)(iiia) inserted (27.10.2008) by Welfare Reform Act 2007 (c. 5), s. 70(2), Sch. 3 para. 10(22)(a); S.I. 2008/787, art. 2(4)(f)

F25 Word in s. 159B(4)(a) inserted (with effect in accordance with s. 5(3)-(7) of the amending Act) by Pensions Act 2007 (c. 22), s. 30(1)(a)(3), Sch. 1 para. 27(a)

F26 Words in s. 159B(6) inserted (with effect in accordance with s. 5(3)-(7) of the amending Act) by Pensions Act 2007 (c. 22), s. 30(1)(a)(3), Sch. 1 para. 27(b)(i)

F27 Words in s. 159B(6) inserted (with effect in accordance with s. 5(3)-(7) of the amending Act) by Pensions Act 2007 (c. 22), s. 30(1)(a)(3), Sch. 1 para. 27(b)(ii)

F28 Words in s. 159B(6) inserted (8.4.2013 for specified purposes, 10.6.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5), s. 150(3), Sch. 9 para. 20; S.I. 2013/358, art. 7(1)(2)(k), Sch. 3; S.I. 2013/1250, art. 2

F29 Words in s. 159B(6) inserted (27.10.2008) by Welfare Reform Act 2007 (c. 5), s. 70(2), Sch. 3 para. 10(22)(b); S.I. 2008/787, art. 2(4)(f)

F30 Words in s. 159B(6) substituted (6.4.2003) by Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003 (c. 1), s. 723, Sch. 6 para. 188(2) (with Sch. 7)

F31 Words in s. 159B(6) substituted (5.12.2005) by The Civil Partnership (Pensions and Benefit Payments) (Consequential, etc. Provisions) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/2053), art. 1(3), Sch. para. 10(a)

F32 Words in s. 159B(6) substituted (5.12.2005) by The Civil Partnership (Pensions and Benefit Payments) (Consequential, etc. Provisions) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/2053), art. 1(3), Sch. para. 10(b)

F33 Words in s. 159B(6) substituted (6.4.2003) by Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003 (c. 1), s. 723, Sch. 6 para. 188(3) (with Sch. 7)

[F34 159C Effect of alteration of rates of an employment and support allowance U.K.

(1) Subject to such exceptions and conditions as may be prescribed, subsection (2) or (3) shall have effect where—

(a) an award of an employment and support allowance is in force in favour of any person (“the recipient”), and

(b) an alteration—

(i) in any component of the allowance,

(ii) in the recipient’s benefit income, or

(iii) in the recipient’s war disablement or war widow’s or widower’s pension,

affects the computation of the amount of the employment and support allowance to which he is entitled.

(2) Where, as a result of the alteration, the amount of the employment and support allowance to which the recipient is entitled is increased or reduced, then, as from the commencing date, the amount of the employment and support allowance payable in the case of the recipient under the award shall be the increased or reduced amount, without any further decision of the Secretary of State; and the award shall have effect accordingly.

(3) Where, notwithstanding the alteration, the recipient continues on and after the commencing date to be entitled to the same amount by way of an employment and support allowance as before, the award shall continue in force accordingly.

(4) Subsection (5) applies where a statement is made in the House of Commons by or on behalf of the Secretary of State which specifies—

(a) in relation to any of the items referred to in subsection (1)(b)(i) to (iii), the amount of the alteration which he proposes to make by an order under section 150[F35 , 150A] or 152 or by or under any other enactment, and

(b) the date on which he proposes to bring the alteration into force (“the proposed commencing date”).

(5) If, in a case where this subsection applies, an award of an employment and support allowance is made in favour of a person before the proposed commencing date and after the date on which the statement is made, the award—

(a) may provide for the employment and support allowance to be paid as from the proposed commencing date at a rate determined by reference to the amounts of the items referred to in subsection (1)(b)(i) to (iii) which will be in force on that date, or

(b) may be expressed in terms of the amounts of those items in force at the date of the award.

(6) In this section—

• “alteration” means—

  (a)

  in relation to any component of an employment and support allowance, its alteration by or under any enactment;

  (b)

  in relation to a person’s benefit income, the alteration of any of the sums referred to in section 150 [F36 or 150A] by any enactment or by an order under section 150[F37 , 150A] or 152 to the extent that any such alteration affects the amount of his benefit income;

  (c)

  in relation to a person’s war disablement pension or war widow’s or widower’s pension, its alteration by or under any enactment;

• “benefit income”, in relation to a person, means so much of his income as consists of benefit under the Contributions and Benefits Act [F38 or personal independence payment];

• “the commencing date”, in relation to an alteration, means the date on which the alteration comes into force in relation to the recipient;

• “component”, in relation to an employment and support allowance, means any of the sums specified in regulations under Part 1 of the Welfare Reform Act 2007 which are relevant in calculating the amount payable by way of an employment and support allowance;

• “war disablement pension” and “war widow’s or widower’s pension” have the same meaning as in section 159B.]

Textual Amendments

F34 S. 159C inserted (27.10.2008) by Welfare Reform Act 2007 (c. 5), s. 70(2), Sch. 3 para. 10(23); S.I. 2008/787, art. 2(4)(f)

F35 Word in s. 159C(4)(a) inserted (with effect in accordance with s. 5(3)-(7) of the amending Act) by Pensions Act 2007 (c. 22), s. 30(1)(a)(3), Sch. 1 para. 28(a)

F36 Words in s. 159C(6) inserted (with effect in accordance with s. 5(3)-(7) of the amending Act) by Pensions Act 2007 (c. 22), s. 30(1)(a)(3), Sch. 1 para. 28(b)(i)

F37 Words in s. 159C(6) inserted (with effect in accordance with s. 5(3)-(7) of the amending Act) by Pensions Act 2007 (c. 22), s. 30(1)(a)(3), Sch. 1 para. 28(b)(ii)

F38 Words in s. 159C(6) inserted (8.4.2013 for specified purposes, 10.6.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5), s. 150(3), Sch. 9 para. 21; S.I. 2013/358, art. 7(1)(2)(k), Sch. 3; S.I. 2013/1250, art. 2

[F39 159D Effect of alterations affecting universal credit U.K.

(1) Subject to such exceptions and conditions as may be prescribed, subsection (2) or (3) shall have effect where—

(a) an award of universal credit is in force in favour of any person (“the recipient”), and

(b) an alteration—

(i) in any element of universal credit,

(ii) in the recipient's benefit income,

(iii) in any amount to be deducted in respect of earned income under section 8(3)(a) of the Welfare Reform Act 2012,

(iv) in any component of a contribution-based jobseeker's allowance,

(v) in any component of a contributory employment and support allowance, or

(vi) in such other matters as may be prescribed,

affects the computation of the amount of universal credit to which he is entitled.

(2) Where, as a result of the alteration, the amount of universal credit to which the recipient is entitled is increased or reduced, then, as from the commencing date, the amount of universal credit payable in the case of the recipient under the award shall be the increased or reduced amount, without any further decision of the Secretary of State; and the award shall have effect accordingly.

(3) Where, notwithstanding the alteration, the recipient continues on and after the commencing date to be entitled to the same amount by way of universal credit as before, the award shall continue in force accordingly.

(4) Subsection (5) applies where a statement is made in the House of Commons by or on behalf of the Secretary of State which specifies—

(a) in relation to any of the items referred to in subsection (1)(b)(i) to (vi), the amount of the alteration which he proposes to make by an order under section 150, 150A or 152 or by or under any other enactment, and

(b) the date on which he proposes to bring the alteration in force (“the proposed commencing date”).

(5) If, in a case where this subsection applies, an award of universal credit is made in favour of a person before the proposed commencing date and after the date on which the statement is made, the award—

(a) may provide for the universal credit to be paid as from the proposed commencing date at a rate determined by reference to the amounts of the items referred to in subsection (1)(b)(i) to (vi) which will be in force on that date, or

(b) may be expressed in terms of the amounts of those items in force at the date of the award.

(6) In this section—

• “alteration”—

  (a)

  in relation to any element of universal credit, means its alteration by or under any enactment;

  (b)

  in relation to a person's benefit income, means the alteration of any of the sums referred to in section 150 or 150A by any enactment or by an order under section 150, 150A or 152 to the extent that any such alteration affects the amount of his benefit income;

  (c)

  in relation to any component of a contribution-based jobseeker's allowance or a contributory employment and support allowance, means its alteration by or under any enactment;

  (d)

  in relation to any other matter, has such meaning as may be prescribed;

• “benefit income”, in relation to a person, means so much of his income as consists of benefit under the Contributions and Benefits Act or personal independence payment;

• “the commencing date”, in relation to an alteration, means the date on which the alteration comes into force in relation to the recipient;

• “component”—

  (a)

  in relation to contribution-based jobseeker's allowance, means any of the sums specified in regulations under the Jobseekers Act 1995 which are relevant in calculating the amount payable by way of a jobseeker's allowance;

  (b)

  in relation to a contributory employment and support allowance, means any of the sums specified in regulations under Part 1 of the Welfare Reform Act 2007 which are relevant in calculating the amount payable by way of such an allowance;

• “element”, in relation to universal credit, means any of the amounts specified in regulations under sections 9 to 12 of the Welfare Reform Act 2012 which are included in the calculation of an award of universal credit.]

Textual Amendments

F39 S. 159D inserted (25.2.2013 for specified purposes, 29.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5), s. 150(3), Sch. 2 para. 23; S.I. 2013/358, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 20; S.I. 2013/983, art. 3(1)(b)(ii)

[F40 159E Effect of alteration of rates of personal independence payment U.K.

(1) Subject to such exceptions and conditions as may be prescribed, subsection (2) or (3) shall have effect where—

(a) an award of personal independence payment is in force in favour of any person (“the recipient”); and

(b) an alteration in the rate of any component of personal independence payment affects the amount of personal independence payment to which he is entitled.

(2) Where, as a result of the alteration, the amount of personal independence payment to which the recipient is entitled is increased or reduced, then, as from the commencing date, the amount of personal independence payment in the case of the recipient under the award shall be the increased or reduced amount, without any further decision of the Secretary of State; and the award shall have effect accordingly.

(3) Where, notwithstanding the alteration, the recipient continues on and after the commencing date to be entitled to the same amount by way of personal independence payment as before, the award shall continue in force accordingly.

(4) Subsection (5) applies where a statement is made in the House of Commons by or on behalf of the Secretary of State which specifies—

(a) the amount of the alteration in the rate of any component of personal independence payment which he proposes to make by an order under section 150 or 152 or by or under any other enactment, and

(b) the date on which he proposes to bring the alteration in force (“the proposed commencing date”).

(5) If, in a case where this subsection applies, an award of personal independence payment is made in favour of a person before the proposed commencing date and after the date on which the statement is made, the award—

(a) may provide for personal independence payment to be paid as from the proposed commencing date by reference to the rates of the component of personal independence payment which will be in force on that date, or

(b) may be expressed in terms of the rates of those components in force at the date of the award.

(6) In this section—

• “alteration” means alteration by or under any enactment;

• “the commencing date”, in relation to an alteration, means the date on which the alteration comes into force in relation to the recipient;

• “component”, in relation to personal independence payment, means the daily living component or mobility component (see sections 78 and 79 of the Welfare Reform Act 2012).]

Textual Amendments

F40 S. 159E inserted (8.4.2013) by The Personal Independence Payment (Supplementary Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/388), reg. 2, Sch. para. 6

160 Implementation of increase in income support due to attainment of particular ages U.K.

(1) This section applies where—

(a) an award of income support is in force in favour of a person (“the recipient”); and

(b) there is a component which becomes applicable, or applicable at a particular rate, in his case if he or some other person attains a particular age.

(2) If, in a case where this section applies, the recipient or other person attains the particular age referred to in paragraph (b) of subsection (1) above and, in consequence,—

(a) the component in question becomes applicable, or applicable at a particular rate, in the recipient's case (whether or not some other component ceases, for the same reason, to be applicable, or applicable at a particular rate, in his case); and

(b) after taking account of any such cessation, the recipient becomes entitled to an increased amount of income support,

then, except as provided by subsection (3) below, as from the day on which he becomes so entitled, the amount of income support payable to or for him under the award shall be that increased amount, without any further decision of [F41 the Secretary of State], and the award shall have effect accordingly.

(3) Subsection (2) above does not apply in any case where, in consequence of the recipient or other person attaining the age in question, some question arises in relation to the recipient's entitlement to [F42 personal independence payment or to] any benefit under the Contributions and Benefits Act, other than—

(a) the question whether the component concerned, or any other component, becomes or ceases to be applicable, or applicable at a particular rate, in his case; and

(b) the question whether, in consequence, the amount of his income support falls to be varied.

(4) In this section “component”, in relation to a person and his income support, means any of the sums specified in regulations under section 135(1) of the Contributions and Benefits Act.

Textual Amendments

F41 Words in s. 160(2) substituted (29.11.1999 for specified purposes) by Social Security Act 1998 (c. 14), s. 87(2), Sch. 7 para. 97; S.I. 1999/3178, art. 2(1)(a), Sch. 1

F42 Words in s. 160(3) inserted (8.4.2013 for specified purposes, 10.6.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5), s. 150(3), Sch. 9 para. 22; S.I. 2013/358, art. 7(1)(2)(k), Sch. 3; S.I. 2013/1250, art. 2

[F43 160A Implementation of increase in income-based jobseeker's allowance due to attainment of particular ages U.K.

(1) This section applies where—

(a) an award of an income-based jobseeker's allowance is in force in favour of a person (“the recipient”); and

(b) a component has become applicable, or applicable at a particular rate, because he or some other person has reached a particular age (“the qualifying age”).

(2) If, as a result of the recipient or other person reaching the qualifying age, the recipient becomes entitled to an income-based jobseeker's allowance of an increased amount, the amount payable to or for him under the award shall, as from the day on which he becomes so entitled, be that increased amount, without any further decision of [F44 the Secretary of State]; and the award shall have effect accordingly.

(3) Subsection (2) above does not apply where, in consequence of the recipient or other person reaching the qualifying age, a question arises in relation to the recipient's entitlement to—

(a) a benefit under the Contributions and Benefits Act;

[F45 (aa) personal independence payment;] or

(b) a jobseeker's allowance.

(4) Subsection (3)(b) above does not apply to the question—

(a) whether the component concerned, or any other component, becomes or ceases to be applicable, or applicable at a particular rate, in the recipient's case; and

(b) whether, in consequence, the amount of his income-based jobseeker's allowance falls to be varied.

(5) In this section “component”, in relation to a recipient and his jobseeker's allowance, means any of the amounts determined in accordance with regulations made under section 4(5) of the Jobseekers Act 1995.]

Textual Amendments

F43 S. 160A inserted (7.10.1996) by Jobseeekers Act 1995 (c. 18), ss. 25, 41(2); S.I. 1996/2208, art. 2(b)

F44 Words in s. 160A(2) substituted (18.10.1999 for specified purposes) by Social Security Act 1998 (c. 14), s. 87(2), Sch. 7 para. 98; S.I. 1999/2860, art. 2(c), Sch. 1

F45 S. 160A(3)(aa) inserted (8.4.2013 for specified purposes, 10.6.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5), s. 150(3), Sch. 9 para. 23; S.I. 2013/358, art. 7(1)(2)(k), Sch. 3; S.I. 2013/1250, art. 2

[F46 160B Implementation of increases in employment and support allowance due to attainment of particular ages U.K.

(1) This section applies where—

(a) an award of an employment and support allowance is in force in favour of a person (“the recipient”), and

(b) a component has become applicable, or applicable at a particular rate, because he or some other person has reached a particular age (“the qualifying age”).

(2) If, as a result of the recipient or other person reaching the qualifying age, the recipient becomes entitled to an employment and support allowance of an increased amount, the amount payable to or for him under the award shall, as from the day on which he becomes so entitled, be that increased amount, without any further decision of the Secretary of State; and the award shall have effect accordingly.

(3) Subsection (2) does not apply where, in consequence of the recipient or other person reaching the qualifying age, a question arises in relation to the recipient's entitlement to[F47 —

(a) a benefit under the Contributions and Benefits Act; or

(b) personal independence payment.]

(4) Subsection (2) does not apply where, in consequence of the recipient or other person reaching the qualifying age, a question arises in relation to the recipient's entitlement to an employment and support allowance, other than—

(a) the question whether the component concerned, or any other component, becomes or ceases to be applicable, or applicable at a particular rate, in the recipient's case, and

(b) the question whether, in consequence, the amount of his employment and support allowance falls to be varied.

(5) In this section, “component”, in relation to a recipient and his employment and support allowance, means any of the amounts determined in accordance with regulations made under section 2(1)(a) or 4(2)(a) of the Welfare Reform Act 2007.]

Textual Amendments

F46 S. 160B inserted (27.10.2008) by Welfare Reform Act 2007 (c. 5), s. 70(2), Sch. 3 para. 10(24); S.I. 2008/787, art. 2(4)(f)

F47 Words in s. 160B(3) substituted (8.4.2013 for specified purposes, 10.6.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5), s. 150(3), Sch. 9 para. 24; S.I. 2013/358, art. 7(1)(2)(k), Sch. 3; S.I. 2013/1250, art. 2