#2026/65The Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance (Claims and Payments) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026
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These regulations amend the claims and payments rules for Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance in Northern Ireland. They are made under the Social Security Administration (Northern Ireland) Act 1992 and the Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2016. The amendments primarily concern the circumstances in which benefit payments may be made to third parties, including in cases involving deductions for arrears of housing costs or payments to landlords and utility providers. The regulations come into operation on 30 April 2026.
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Key Changes
- Amends the Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance (Claims and Payments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016
- Introduces changes to rules allowing payment of benefits to third parties
- Expands circumstances for deductions related to housing cost arrears
+ 2 more changes with Pro
Obligations
What this law requires
The Department for Communities must implement amendments to claims and payments rules for Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Jobseeker's Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance in Northern Ireland by 30 April 2026
Benefit payment administrators must apply amended rules regarding circumstances in which benefit payments may be made to third parties, effective from 30 April 2026
Benefit payment administrators must implement procedures for making deductions from benefits for arrears of housing costs and direct payments to landlords and utility providers according to the amended regulations
Social security authorities must ensure third-party payment arrangements comply with the amended claims and payments regulations for UC, PIP, JSA and ESA