Universal Credit set to be introduced in NI next week
Universal credit will be implemented in Northern Ireland from next Wednesday.
A phased introduction will take place from then until September 2018.
The new system replaces the six existing benefits with one and will be applied from people aged 18 to state pension age.
The old benefits areas were:
- Jobseeker's Allowance (income based),
- Employment Support Allowance (income-related)
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit (rental)
- Working Tax Credit and
- Child Tax Credits
New claimants in the Limavady area will be the first to receive Universal Credit.
For those people already claiming benefits, they will not be affected until 2019.
Denis McMahon, Deputy Secretary of Work and Inclusion Group, DfC, explained: “The introduction of Universal Credit is another stage of the Department’s work to implement the NI Executive’s decisions on welfare changes.
"It is a significant change to the way the benefit system works in Northern Ireland, and our phased approach aims to give the best possible support to claimants as they get used to the new system.”
Explaining how the new system will work, Dr McMahon explained: “Instead of individuals having to fill in multiple forms and managing several claims, they will claim the single benefit of Universal Credit online.
"This will simplify the claims process, with digital support available for those who need it. They will be able to claim using a PC, tablet or mobile phone.
"As it rolls out in areas, local offices will have a Digital Zone with PCs and free Wifi which claimants can use to access their online account, with staff available to provide help and support.”