UK New Legislation: The Social Security (Income and Capital Disregards) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025
Date: 2025-02-12 03:00
Introduction
The Social Security (Income and Capital Disregards) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025 have been introduced in Northern Ireland to amend the Social Security (Income and Capital Disregards) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002. These Regulations aim to update and clarify the income and capital disregards that apply to certain benefits and payments in Northern Ireland, with a particular focus on supporting individuals with disabilities and those in financial hardship.
Key Changes
The new Regulations introduce a number of key changes, including:
- Removal of the capital limit for Disability Living Allowance (DLA): The previous capital limit of £23,250 for DLA has been removed, providing greater financial assistance to individuals with disabilities.
- Increase in income disregard for Pension Credit: The income disregard for Pension Credit has been increased from £10 to £20 per week, providing additional financial support to pensioners on low incomes.
- Extension of Funeral Expense Payment to cohabitants: The Funeral Expense Payment is now available to cohabiting couples, regardless of whether they are married or in a civil partnership.
- Clarification of income and capital disregards for Universal Credit: The Regulations provide clarity on the application of income and capital disregards for claimants of Universal Credit.
- Revised definitions of disability and incapacity: The definitions of disability and incapacity for the purposes of social security benefits have been revised to align with the Equality Act 2010.
Impact
The Social Security (Income and Capital Disregards) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025 are expected to have a positive impact on individuals with disabilities, pensioners, and those on low incomes in Northern Ireland. The changes will provide greater financial support and clarity for claimants of social security benefits.
Implementation
The Regulations came into force on 2025-02-12 and will be administered by the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland. Individuals who are affected by the changes are encouraged to contact their local Jobcentre or Social Security office for further information.
Conclusion
The Social Security (Income and Capital Disregards) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025 represent a significant step forward in supporting individuals with disabilities and those in financial hardship in Northern Ireland. The changes provide greater financial assistance, clarity, and fairness for claimants of social security benefits.
The Social Security (Income and Capital Disregards) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025
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