PART 1INTRODUCTION

Citation and commencement

1.  This Order may be cited as the Social Security Benefits Up-rating (No. 2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2017 and shall come into operation on 25th September 2017.

Interpretation

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(5);

"the Pensions Act" means the Pensions Act (Northern Ireland) 2015(6);

"the Pension Schemes Act" means the Pension Schemes (Northern Ireland) Act 1993(7);

"the Computation of Earnings Regulations" means the Social Security Benefit (Computation of Earnings) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996(8);

"the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2008" means the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008(9);

"the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2016" means the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016(10);

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

"the Housing Benefit (SPC) Regulations" means the Housing Benefit (Persons who have attained the qualifying age for State Pension Credit) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006(12);

"the Income Support Regulations" means the Income Support (General) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1987(13);

"the Jobseeker's Allowance Regulations" means the Jobseeker's Allowance Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996(14);

"the State Pension Credit Regulations" means the State Pension Credit Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003(15); and

"the Universal Credit Regulations" means the Universal Credit Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016(16).

(2) Subject to paragraph (3), the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954(17) 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.

PART 2SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS AND PENSIONS

Rates or amounts of certain benefits under the Contributions and Benefits Act

3.-(1) The sums specified in paragraph (2) shall be increased so that Schedule 4 to the Contributions and Benefits Act (rates of benefit, etc.), except paragraph 5 of Part III (guardian's allowance) of that Schedule, 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(18), the sums specified for disablement pension for dependent children and death benefit allowance in respect of children and qualifying young persons.

Rates or amounts of certain pensions and allowances under the Contributions and Benefits Act

4.-(1) 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 1∙0 per cent.

(2) In section 44(4) of the Contributions and Benefits Act(19) (basic pension of Category A retirement pension)-

(a)for "£101∙10" substitute "£102∙10"; and

(b)for "£119∙30" substitute "£122∙30".

(3) 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 2016-17;

(b)the increases in the rates of retirement pensions under Schedule 5 to the Contributions and Benefits Act(20) (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 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(21), Article 64 of the Social Security (Northern Ireland) Order 1986(22) or section 132 of the Administration Act,

shall in each case be increased by 1∙0 per cent.

(4) The sums which are shared additional pensions under section 55A and 55AA of the Contributions and Benefits Act(23), and the sums which are increases in the rates of such pensions under paragraph 2 of Schedule 5A to that Act(24), shall in each case be increased by 1∙0 per cent.

Rates or amounts of certain benefits under the Pension Schemes Act

5.  It is directed that 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(25)) shall be increased by 1∙0 per cent. where the increase under section 11(1) is attributable to earnings factors for the tax year 1987-88 and earlier tax years(26).

Rates or amounts of certain pensions under Part 1 of the Pensions Act

6.-(1) In regulation 1A of the State Pension Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015(27) (full rate of state pension) for "£155∙65" substitute "£159∙55".

(2) 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 1∙0 per cent.

(3) 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 for those who reached pensionable age before 10th April 2017;

(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 certain other pensions under 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 certain other pensions under that Act exceed the full rate,

shall in each case be increased by 1∙0 per cent.

(4) For the purpose of this Article, "old state pension" has the same meaning as in section 22 of the Pensions Act.

Earnings limits

7.  In section 80(4) of the Contributions and Benefits Act(28) (earnings limits in respect of child dependency increases)-

(a)in both places, the sum of £230 remains the same; and

(b)the sum of £30 remains the same.

Statutory sick pay

8.  In section 153(1) of the Contributions and Benefits Act(29) (rate of payment) for "£88∙45" substitute "£89∙35".

Statutory maternity pay

9.  In regulation 6 of the Statutory Maternity Pay (General) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1987(30) (prescribed rate of statutory maternity pay) for "£139∙58" substitute "£140∙98".

Statutory paternity pay, statutory adoption pay and statutory shared parental pay

10.-(1) In the Statutory Paternity Pay and Statutory Adoption Pay (Weekly Rates) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002(31)-

(a)in regulation 2(a) (weekly rate of payment of statutory paternity pay) for "£139∙58" substitute "£140∙98"; and

(b)in regulation 3(a) (weekly rate of payment of statutory adoption pay) for "£139∙58" substitute "£140∙98".

(2) In regulation 40(1)(a) of the Statutory Shared Parental Pay (General) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015(32) (weekly rate of payment of statutory shared parental pay) for "£139∙58" substitute "£140∙98".

Graduated retirement benefit

11.-(1) In section 35(1) of the National Insurance Act (Northern Ireland) 1966(33) (graduated retirement benefit)-

(a)the sum of 13∙30 pence shall be increased by 1∙0 per cent.; and

(b)the reference in that provision to that sum shall have effect as a reference to 13∙43 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(34) (increases for deferred entitlement to a Category A or Category B retirement pension) shall be increased by 1∙0 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(35) (increases of graduated retirement benefit and lump sums) shall be increased by 1∙0 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 1∙0 per cent.

Amount of Category C retirement pension under the Social Security (Widow's Benefit and Retirement Pensions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1979

12.  In regulation 11(3) of the Social Security (Widow's Benefit and Retirement Pensions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1979(36) (Category C retirement pension for widows of men over pensionable age on 5^th July 1948) for "£71∙50" substitute "£73∙30".

Maximum additional pension

13.  In regulation 2A of the Social Security (Maximum Additional Pension) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010(37) (prescribed maximum additional pension for survivors who become entitled on or after 6^th April 2016) for "£165∙60" substitute "£167∙26".

Disability living allowance

14.  In regulation 4 of the Social Security (Disability Living Allowance) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1992(38) (rate of benefit)-

(a)in paragraph (1)(a) for "£82∙30" substitute "£83∙10";

(b)in paragraph (1)(b) for "£55∙10" substitute "£55∙65";

(c)in paragraph (1)(c) for "£21∙80" substitute "£22∙00";

(d)in paragraph (2)(a) for "£57∙45" substitute "£58∙00"; and

(e)in paragraph (2)(b) for "£21∙80" substitute "£22∙00".

Personal independence payment

15.  In regulation 24 of the Personal Independence Payment Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016(39) (rate of personal independence payment)-

(a)in paragraph (1)(a) for "£55∙10" substitute "£55∙65";

(b)in paragraph (1)(b) for "£82∙30" substitute "£83∙10";

(c)in paragraph (2)(a) for "£21∙80" substitute "£22∙00"; and

(d)in paragraph (2)(b) for "£57∙45" substitute "£58∙00".

Age addition to long-term incapacity benefit

16.-(1) Subject to paragraph (2), in regulation 9(2) of the Social Security (Incapacity Benefit) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1994(40) (increase in rate of incapacity benefit where beneficiary is under prescribed age on the qualifying date)-

(a)in sub-paragraph (a) for "£21∙50" substitute "£21∙70"; and

(b)in sub-paragraph (b) for "£10∙80" substitute "£10∙90".

(2) In the case of a claimant entitled to long-term incapacity benefit the sums specified in regulation 9(2)(a) and (b) of those Regulations shall be increased to £11∙25 and £6∙25 respectively.

Transitional invalidity allowance in long-term incapacity benefit cases

17.-(1) Subject to paragraph (2), in regulation 18(2) of the Social Security (Incapacity Benefit) (Transitional) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995(41) (rate of long-term incapacity benefit in transitional cases)-

(a)in sub-paragraph (a) for "£21∙50" substitute "£21∙70";

(b)in sub-paragraph (b) for "£13∙90" substitute "£14∙00"; and

(c)in sub-paragraph (c) for "£6∙95" substitute "£7∙00".

(2) In the case of a claimant entitled to long-term incapacity benefit the sums specified in regulation 18(2)(a), (b) and (c) of those Regulations shall be increased to £11∙25, £6∙25 and £6∙25 respectively.

Bereavement benefits

18.  In the Rate of Bereavement Benefits Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010(42)-

(a)in regulation 2 (rate of widowed mother's allowance and widow's pension) for "£112∙55" substitute "£113∙70"; and

(b)in regulation 3 (rate of widowed parent's allowance and bereavement allowance) for "£112∙55" substitute "£113∙70".

PART 3INCOME SUPPORT AND HOUSING BENEFIT

Applicable amounts for income support

19.-(1) The sums relevant to the calculation of an applicable amount as specified in the Income Support Regulations(43) shall be the sums set out in this Article and Schedules 2 to 4 to this Order; and for this purpose 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)(44); and

(b)paragraphs 13A(2)(a) and 14(2)(a) of Part III of Schedule 2(45),

the sum specified is in each case £3,000.

(3) The sums specified in paragraph 2 of Part I of Schedule 2 (applicable amounts: personal allowances) shall be as set out in Schedule 2 to this Order.

(4) In paragraph 3(1) of Part II of Schedule 2(46) (applicable amounts: family premium) the sum of £17∙45, in both places, remains the same.

(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 18 of Schedule 3(47) (housing costs: non-dependant deductions)-

(a)in sub-paragraph (1) for "£94∙50" and "£14∙65" substitute "£95∙45" and "£14∙80" respectively; and

(b)in sub-paragraph (2)-

(i)in head (a) for "£133∙00" substitute "£136∙00",

(ii)in head (b) for "£133∙00", "£195∙00" and "£33∙65" substitute "£136∙00", "£200∙00" and "£34∙00" respectively,

(iii)in head (c) for "£195∙00", "£253∙00" and "£46∙20" substitute "£200∙00", "£259∙00" and "£46∙65" respectively,

(iv)in head (d) for "£253∙00", "£338∙00" and "£75∙60" substitute "£259∙00", "£346∙00" and "£76∙35" respectively, and

(v)in head (e) for "£338∙00", "£420∙00" and "£86∙10" substitute "£346∙00", "£430∙00" and "£86∙95" respectively.

(7) The sums specified in any provision of the Income Support Regulations set out in column (1) of Schedule 4 to this Order are the sums set out in column (2) of that Schedule.

Income support transitional protection

20.  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(48) shall be increased by 1∙0 per cent.

Housing benefit

21.-(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 5 and 6 to this Order; and for this purpose 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 B14(3)(49) (determination of a maximum rent (social sector))-

(a)in sub-paragraph (a) 14% remains the same; and

(b)in sub-paragraph (b) 25% remains the same.

(3) In regulation 24(3) (calculation of income on a weekly basis) the sums of £175∙00 and £300∙00 remain the same.

(4) In regulation 72(50) (non-dependant deductions)-

(a)in paragraph (1) for "£94∙50" and "£14∙65" substitute "£95∙45" and "£14∙80" respectively; and

(b)in paragraph (2)-

(i)in sub-paragraph (a) for "£133∙00" substitute "£136∙00",

(ii)in sub-paragraph (b) for "£133∙00", "£195∙00" and "£33∙65" substitute "£136∙00", "£200∙00" and "£34∙00" respectively,

(iii)in sub-paragraph (c) for "£195∙00", "£253∙00" and "£46∙20" substitute "£200∙00", "£259∙00" and "£46∙65" respectively,

(iv)in sub-paragraph (d) for "£253∙00", "£338∙00" and "£75∙60" substitute "£259∙00", "£346∙00" and "£76∙35" respectively, and

(v)in sub-paragraph (e) for "£338∙00", "£420∙00" and "£86∙10" substitute "£346∙00", "£430∙00" and "£86∙95" respectively.

(5) In Schedule 1(51) (ineligible service charges)-

(a)in paragraph 2 for "£26∙85", "£26∙85", "£13∙60", "£17∙85", "£17∙85", "£9∙00" and "£3∙30" substitute "£27∙10", "£27∙10", "£13∙75", "£18∙05", "£18∙05", "£9∙10" and "£3∙35" respectively; and

(b)in paragraph 6(2) the sums of £28∙80, £3∙35, £2∙30 and £3∙35 respectively remain the same.

(6) The sums specified in paragraph 2 of Part I of Schedule 4 (applicable amounts: personal allowances) shall be as set out in Schedule 5 to this Order.

(7) In paragraph 3(1) of Part II of Schedule 4(52) (applicable amounts: family premium) the sums of £22∙20 and £17∙45 remain the same.

(8) The sums specified in Part IV of Schedule 4 (applicable amounts: amounts of premiums) shall be as set out in Schedule 6 to this Order.

(9) In paragraph 26 of Part VI of Schedule 4(53) (amount of components) for "£36∙20" substitute "£36∙55".

(10) In paragraph 17(1) and (3)(c) of Schedule 5(54) (sums to be disregarded in the calculation of earnings) the sum of £17∙10 remains the same.

(11) In paragraph 58 of Schedule 6(55) (sums to be disregarded in the calculation of income other than earnings) the sum of £17∙10 remains the same.

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

22.-(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 7 and 8 to this Order; and for this purpose 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∙00 remain the same.

(3) In regulation 53(56) (non-dependant deductions)-

(a)in paragraph (1) for "£94∙50" and "£14∙65" substitute "£95∙45" and "£14∙80" respectively; and

(b)in paragraph (2)-

(i)in sub-paragraph (a) for "£133∙00" substitute "£136∙00",

(ii)in sub-paragraph (b) for "£133∙00", "£195∙00" and "£33∙65" substitute "£136∙00", "£200∙00" and "£34∙00" respectively,

(iii)in sub-paragraph (c) for "£195∙00", "£253∙00" and "£46∙20" substitute "£200∙00", "£259∙00" and "£46∙65" respectively,

(iv)in sub-paragraph (d) for "£253∙00", "£338∙00" and "£75∙60" substitute "£259∙00", "£346∙00" and "£76∙35" respectively, and

(v)in sub-paragraph (e) for "£338∙00", "£420∙00" and "£86∙10" substitute "£346∙00", "£430∙00" and "£86∙95" respectively.

(4) In Schedule 1 (ineligible service charges)-

(a)in paragraph 2(57) for "£26∙85", "£26∙85", "£13∙60", "£17∙85", "£17∙85", "£9∙00" and "£3∙30" substitute "£27∙10", "£27∙10", "£13∙75", "£18∙05", "£18∙05", "£9∙10" and "£3∙35" respectively; and

(b)in paragraph 6(2) the sums of £28∙80, £3∙35, £2∙30 and £3∙35 remain the same.

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

(6) In paragraph 3(1) of Part II of Schedule 4(58) (applicable amounts: family premium) the sum of £17∙45 remains the same.

(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 8 to this Order.

(8) In paragraph 9(1) and (3)(c) of Schedule 5(59) (sums disregarded from claimant's earnings) the sum of £17∙10 remains the same.

(9) In paragraph 22 of Schedule 6(60) (amounts to be disregarded in the calculation of income other than earnings) the sum of £17∙10 remains the same.

PART 4JOBSEEKER'S ALLOWANCE

Applicable amounts for jobseeker's allowance

23.-(1) The sums relevant to the calculation of an applicable amount as specified in the Jobseeker's Allowance Regulations(61) shall be the sums set out in this Article and Schedules 9 to 12 to this Order; and for this purpose 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 bearing that number.

(2) In-

(a)regulations 83(b), 84(1)(c) and 85(1)(62); and

(b)paragraphs 15A(2)(a) and 16(2)(a) of Part III of Schedule 1(63),

the sum specified is in each case £3,000.

(3) The sums specified in paragraph 2 of Part I of Schedule 1 (applicable amounts: personal allowances) shall be as set out in Schedule 9 to this Order.

(4) In paragraph 4(1) of Part II of Schedule 1(64) (applicable amounts: family premium) the sum of £17∙45, in both places, remains the same.

(5) The sums specified in Part IV of Schedule 1 (applicable amounts: weekly amounts of premiums) shall be as set out in Schedule 10 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 11 to this Order.

(7) In paragraph 17 of Schedule 2(65) (housing costs: non-dependant deductions)-

(a)in sub-paragraph (1) for "£94∙50" and "£14∙65" substitute "£95∙45" and "£14∙80" respectively; and

(b)in sub-paragraph (2)-

(i)in head (a) for "£133∙00" substitute "£136∙00",

(ii)in head (b) for "£133∙00", "£195∙00" and "£33∙65" substitute "£136∙00", "£200∙00" and "£34∙00" respectively,

(iii)in head (c) for "£195∙00", "£253∙00" and "£46∙20" substitute "£200∙00", "£259∙00" and "£46∙65" respectively,

(iv)in head (d) for "£253∙00", "£338∙00" and "£75∙60" substitute "£259∙00", "£346∙00" and "£76∙35" respectively, and

(v)in head (e) for "£338∙00", "£420∙00" and "£86∙10" substitute "£346∙00", "£430∙00" and "£86∙95" respectively.

(8) The sums specified in any provision of the Jobseeker's Allowance Regulations set out in column (1) of Schedule 12 to this Order are the sums set out in column (2) of that Schedule.

PART 5STATE PENSION CREDIT

State pension credit

24.-(1) The sums specified in the State Pension Credit Regulations shall be the sums set out in this Article and Schedule 13 to this Order; and for this purpose 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(66) (amount of the guarantee credit)-

(a)in paragraph (1) for "£237∙55" and "£155∙60" substitute "£243∙25" and "£159∙35" respectively;

(b)in paragraph (5) for "£61∙85" and "£123∙70" substitute "£62∙45" and "£124∙90" respectively; and

(c)in paragraph (8) for "£34∙60" substitute "£34∙95".

(3) In regulation 7(67) (savings credit)-

(a)in paragraph (1)(a), (b) and (c) "60 per cent.", "60 per cent." and "40 per cent." respectively remain the same; and

(b)in paragraph (2) for "£133∙82" and "£212∙97" substitute "£137∙35" and "£218∙42" respectively.

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

(a)in sub-paragraph (1)(68) for "£94∙50" and "£14∙65" substitute "£95∙45" and "£14∙80" respectively; and

(b)in sub-paragraph (2)(69)-

(i)in head (a) for "£133∙00" substitute "£136∙00",

(ii)in head (b) for "£133∙00", "£195∙00" and "£33∙65" substitute "£136∙00", "£200∙00" and "£34∙00" respectively,

(iii)in head (c) for "£195∙00", "£253∙00" and "£46∙20" substitute "£200∙00", "£259∙00" and "£46∙65" respectively,

(iv)in head (d) for "£253∙00", "£338∙00" and "£75∙60" substitute "£259∙00", "£346∙00" and "£76∙35" respectively, and

(v)in head (e) for "£338∙00", "£420∙00" and "£86∙10" substitute "£346∙00", "£430∙00" and "£86∙95" respectively.

(5) In paragraph 1 of Schedule 3(70) (special groups: polygamous marriages)-

(a)in sub-paragraph (5), which substitutes regulation 6(1), for "£237∙55" and "£81∙95" substitute "£243∙25" and "£83∙90" respectively; and

(b)in sub-paragraph (7), which substitutes regulation 7(2), for "£212∙97" substitute "£218∙42".

(6) The sums specified in any provision of the State Pension Credit Regulations set out in column (1) of Schedule 13 to this Order are the sums set out in column (2) of that Schedule.

PART 6EMPLOYMENT AND SUPPORT ALLOWANCE

Applicable amounts for the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2008

25.-(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 14 and 15 to this Order; and for this purpose 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 3 of Schedule 4 (weekly amount of premiums specified in Part 2) shall be as set out in Schedule 14 to this Order.

(3) In paragraph 13 of Part 4 of Schedule 4(71) (the components) for "£36∙20" substitute "£36∙55".

(4) In paragraph 19 of Schedule 6(72) (housing costs: non-dependant deductions)-

(a)in sub-paragraph (1) for "£94∙50" and "£14∙65" substitute "£95∙45" and "£14∙80" respectively; and

(b)in sub-paragraph (2)-

(i)in head (a) for "£133∙00" substitute "£136∙00",

(ii)in head (b) for "£133∙00", "£195∙00" and "£33∙65" substitute "£136∙00", "£200∙00" and "£34∙00" respectively,

(iii)in head (c) for "£195∙00", "£253∙00" and "£46∙20" substitute "£200∙00", "£259∙00" and "£46∙65" respectively,

(iv)in head (d) for "£253∙00", "£338∙00" and "£75∙60" substitute "£259∙00", "£346∙00" and "£76∙35" respectively, and

(v)in head (e) for "£338∙00", "£420∙00" and "£86∙10" substitute "£346∙00", "£430∙00" and "£86∙95" respectively.

(5) The sums specified in any provision of the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2008 set out in column (1) of Schedule 15 to this Order are the sums set out in column (2) of that Schedule.

Prescribed amount for the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2016

26.  In regulation 62(2)(b) of the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2016 (prescribed amounts) for "£36∙20" substitute "£36∙55".

PART 7UNIVERSAL CREDIT

Universal credit

27.-(1) In regulation 35(1)(a) of the Universal Credit Regulations (amount of childcare costs element) "85 percent" remains the same.

(2) The amounts of the child element, the additional amount in respect of each child or qualifying young person who is disabled (higher rate), the limited capability for work and work-related activity element, the carer element and the maximum amounts of the childcare costs element specified in the table in regulation 38 of the Universal Credit Regulations (amounts of elements) shall be as set out in Schedule 16 to this Order.

(3) In paragraph 13 of Schedule 4 to the Universal Credit Regulations (amount of housing cost contributions)-

(a)in sub-paragraph (1) for "£69∙37" substitute "£70∙06"; and

(b)in sub-paragraph (3)(a) "nil" remains the same.

(4) The amounts specified in any provision of the Universal Credit Regulations set out in column (1) of Schedule 17 to this Order are the amounts set out in column (2) of that Schedule.

PART 8REVOCATIONS

Revocation

28.  The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order (Northern Ireland) 2017(73) is revoked.

Article 3(1)

SCHEDULE 1Provisions of Schedule 4 to the Contributions and Benefits Act as amended by this Order

PART ICONTRIBUTORY PERIODICAL BENEFITS

PART II(76)BEREAVEMENT PAYMENT

PART IIINON-CONTRIBUTORY PERIODICAL BENEFITS

PART IVINCREASES FOR DEPENDANTS

PART VRATE OF INDUSTRIAL INJURIES BENEFIT

Article 19(3)

SCHEDULE 2Paragraph 2 of Part I of Schedule 2 to the Income Support Regulations as amended by this Order

PART IPERSONAL ALLOWANCES

2.-(1) (84)The weekly amounts specified in column (2) in respect of each person specified in column (1) shall, for the relevant period specified in column (1), be the weekly amounts specified for the purposes of regulations 17(1)(b) and 18(1)(c).

Article 19(5)

SCHEDULE 3Part IV of Schedule 2 to the Income Support Regulations as amended by this Order

PART IVWEEKLY AMOUNTS OF PREMIUMS SPECIFIED IN PART III

Article 19(7)

SCHEDULE 4Applicable amounts specified in the Income Support Regulations

Column (1)	Column (2)
Provisions in Income Support Regulations	Specified Sum
Regulation 22A(1)(91)	Applicable amount to be reduced by a sum equivalent to 20 per cent. of the specified amount.
Schedule 3(92), paragraph 6(1)(b)	Half the amount which would fall to be met by applying the provisions of sub-paragraph (a).
Schedule 3, paragraph 6(1)(c)	Nil.
Schedule 3, paragraph 7(8)	100 per cent. of the eligible interest.
Schedule 3, paragraph 8(1)(b)	Nil.
Schedule 3, paragraph 10	The weekly amount of housing costs is the amount calculated by applying the formula-
Schedule 3, paragraph 11(5)(93)	£100,000.
Schedule 3, paragraph 11(7)(a)	A sum determined by applying the formula P x Q.
Schedule 3, paragraph 11(11)	The qualifying portion of a loan shall be determined by applying the formula-
Schedule 3, paragraph 12(2)	The standard rate is to be the average mortgage rate published by the Bank of England in August 2010 varied each time that sub-paragraph (2B) applies such that the average mortgage rate published on the reference day then becomes the new standard rate in accordance with sub-paragraph (2D).
Schedule 7, paragraph 2A(94)	Nil.
Schedule 7, paragraph 7	Nil.
Schedule 7, paragraph 8(a)	Nil
Schedule 7, paragraph 15(95)	Nil.

Article 21(6)

SCHEDULE 5Paragraph 2 of Part I of Schedule 4 to the Housing Benefit Regulations as amended by this Order

PART IPERSONAL ALLOWANCES

2.-(1) The amount specified in column (2) in respect of each person specified in column (1) shall, for the relevant period specified in column (1), be the amounts specified for the purposes of regulations 20(1)(b) and 21(1)(c)(96)-

Article 21(8)

SCHEDULE 6Part IV of Schedule 4 to the Housing Benefit Regulations as amended by this Order

PART IVAMOUNTS OF PREMIUMS SPECIFIED IN PART III

Article 22(5)

SCHEDULE 7Part I of Schedule 4 to the Housing Benefit (SPC) Regulations as amended by this Order

PART IPERSONAL ALLOWANCES

1.  1. The amount specified in column (2) in respect of each person or couple specified in column (1) shall be the amount specified for the purposes of regulation 20-

2.-(1) The amounts specified in column (2) in respect of each person specified in column (1) shall, for the relevant period specified in column (1), be the amounts specified for the purposes of regulation 20-

Article 22(7)

SCHEDULE 8Part IV of Schedule 4 to the Housing Benefit (SPC) Regulations as amended by this Order

PART IVAMOUNTS OF PREMIUMS SPECIFIED IN PART III

Article 23(3)

SCHEDULE 9Paragraph 2 of Part I of Schedule 1 to the Jobseeker's Allowance Regulations as amended by this Order

PART IPERSONAL ALLOWANCES

2.-(1) (98) The weekly amounts specified in column (2) in respect of each person specified in column (1) shall, for the relevant period specified in column (1), be the weekly amounts specified for the purposes of regulations 83(b) and 84(1)(c).

Article 23(5)

SCHEDULE 10Part IV of Schedule 1 to the Jobseeker's Allowance Regulations as amended by this Order

PART IVWEEKLY AMOUNTS OF PREMIUMS SPECIFIED IN PART III

Article 23(6)

SCHEDULE 11Part IVB of Schedule 1 to the Jobseeker's Allowance Regulations as amended by this Order

PART IVB(103)WEEKLY AMOUNTS OF PREMIUMS SPECIFIED IN PART IVA

Article 23(8)

SCHEDULE 12Applicable amounts specified in the Jobseeker's Allowance Regulations

Column (1)	Column (2)
Provisions in Jobseeker's Allowance Regulations	Specified Sum
Regulation 145(1)(104)	Applicable amount to be reduced by a sum equivalent to 40 per cent. or, as the case may be, 20 per cent. of the specified amount.
Regulation 146G(1)(105)	Applicable amount to be reduced by a sum equivalent to 40 per cent. or, as the case may be, 20 per cent. of the specified amount.
Schedule 2(106), paragraph 6(1)(b)	Half the amount which would fall to be met by applying the provisions of sub-paragraph (a).
Schedule 2, paragraph 6(1)(c)	Nil.
Schedule 2, paragraph 7(1)(b)	Nil.
Schedule 2, paragraph 9	The weekly amount of housing costs is the amount calculated by applying the formula-
Schedule 2, paragraph 10(4)(107)	£100,000.
Schedule 2, paragraph 10(6)(a)	A sum determined by applying the formula P x Q.
Schedule 2, paragraph 10(10)	The qualifying portion of a loan shall be determined by applying the formula-
Schedule 2, paragraph 11(2)	The standard rate is to be the average mortgage rate published by the Bank of England in August 2010 varied each time that sub-paragraph (2B) applies such that the average mortgage rate published on the reference day then becomes the new standard rate in accordance with sub-paragraph (2D).
Schedule 4, paragraph 4	Nil.
Schedule 4, paragraph 14(108)	Nil.
Schedule 4A(109), paragraph 3	Nil.

Article 24(6)

SCHEDULE 13Other amounts specified in the State Pension Credit Regulations

Column (1)	Column (2)
Provisions in State Pension Credit Regulations	Specified Sum
Regulation 6(3)(a)	Nil.
Regulation 6(3)(b)	Nil.
Regulation 7(3)	Nil.
Schedule 2(110), paragraph 7(1)	The weekly amount of housing costs shall be calculated by applying the formula-
Schedule 2, paragraph 8(2)(111)	£100,000.
Schedule 2, paragraph 8(4)(a)	The sum shall be determined by applying the formula P x Q.
Schedule 2, paragraph 8(8)	The qualifying portion of a loan shall be determined by applying the formula-
Schedule 2, paragraph 9(2)	The standard rate is to be the average mortgage rate published by the Bank of England in August 2010 varied each time that sub-paragraph (2B) applies such that the average mortgage rate published on the reference day then becomes the new standard rate in accordance with sub-paragraph (2D).
Schedule 3, paragraph 2(2)(b)(112)	Nil.

Article 25(2)

SCHEDULE 14Part 3 of Schedule 4 to the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2008 as amended by this Order

PART 3WEEKLY AMOUNT OF PREMIUMS SPECIFIED IN PART 2

Article 25(5)

SCHEDULE 15Applicable amounts specified in the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2008

Column (1)	Column (2)
Provisions in Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2008	Specified Sum
Schedule 6(113), paragraph 8(1)(b)	Half the amount which would fall to be met by applying the provisions of head (a).
Schedule 6, paragraph 8(1)(c)	Nil.
Schedule 6, paragraph 9(1)(b)	Nil.
Schedule 6, paragraph 11	The weekly amount of housing costs is the amount calculated by applying the formula-
Schedule 6, paragraph 12(4)(114)	£100,000.
Schedule 6, paragraph 12(6)(a)	A sum determined by applying the formula P x Q.
Schedule 6, paragraph 12(10)	The qualifying portion of a loan shall be determined by applying the formula-
Schedule 6, paragraph 12(12)(b)	£150,000.
Schedule 6, paragraph 12(12)(c)	£125,000.
Schedule 6, paragraph 13(2)	The standard rate is to be the average mortgage rate published by the Bank of England in August 2010 varied each time that sub-paragraph (2B) applies such that the average mortgage rate published on the reference day then becomes the new standard rate in accordance with sub-paragraph (2D).

Article 27(2)

SCHEDULE 16Amounts of certain elements specified in the table in regulation 38 of the Universal Credit Regulations as amended by this Order

Article 27(4)

SCHEDULE 17Other amounts specified in the Universal Credit Regulations

Column (1)	Column (2)
Provisions in Universal Credit Regulations	Specified Sum
Regulation 36(2) Step 2	Apply the formula-
Schedule 4, paragraph 23(4)	The allocated amount is to be found by applying the formula-
Schedule 4, paragraph 32	The amount of the renter's housing costs element is to be calculated by reference to the formula-
Schedule 4, paragraph 34(4)	Amount S is to be found by applying the formula-
Schedule 4, paragraph 35(2)	The amount of the deduction is to be determined by the formula-
Schedule 4, paragraph 35(3)	The relevant percentage is 14% in the case of one excess bedroom
Schedule 4, paragraph 35(4)	The relevant percentage is 25% in the case of two or more excess bedrooms
Schedule 5, paragraph 10(2) Step 3	£200,000
Schedule 5, paragraph 10(2) Step 4	Apply the formula-
Schedule 5, paragraph 11(2) Step 2	£200,000
Schedule 5, paragraph 11(2) Step 3	Apply the formula-
Schedule 5, paragraph 12(1)	The standard rate is the average mortgage rate published by the Bank of England which has effect for the purposes of paragraph 12 of Schedule 3 to the Income Support (General) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1987 varied each time that sub-paragraph (3) applies such that the average mortgage rate published on the reference day then becomes the new standard rate in accordance with sub-paragraph (5).

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order revokes and re-enacts the provisions of the Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order (Northern Ireland) 2017 which would otherwise cease to have effect by virtue of section 166(1) of the Social Security Administration (Northern Ireland) Act 1992. This Order, which corresponds to an Order (S.I. 2017/260) made by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions under sections 150, 150A, 151 and 151A of the Social Security Administration Act 1992, alters the rates and amounts of certain social security benefits and other sums.

Part 2 relates to social security benefits, pensions and allowances.

Article 3 and Schedule 1 alter the rates of benefits and increases of benefit (except those referred to in Article 3(2)) specified in Parts I, III, IV and V of Schedule 4 to the Social Security Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992 ("the Contributions and Benefits Act").

Article 4 increases the rates and amounts of certain pensions and allowances under the Contributions and Benefits Act.

Article 5 increases the sums payable as part of a Category A or Category B retirement pension under sections 11(1) and 13(2) and (3) of the Pension Schemes (Northern Ireland) Act 1993 ("the Pension Schemes Act") on account of increases in guaranteed minimum pensions.

Article 6 increases the rates and amounts relating to the state pension under Part 1 of the Pensions Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 ("the Pensions Act") including the full rate, amounts exceeding the full rate, the rate of increments and inherited increments.

Article 7 specifies earnings limits for child dependency increases.

Article 8 increases the rate of statutory sick pay.

Article 9 increases the rate of statutory maternity pay.

Article 10 increases the rates of statutory paternity pay, statutory adoption pay and statutory shared parental pay.

Article 11 increases the rate of graduated retirement benefit.

Article 12 increases the amount of a Category C retirement pension.

Article 13 increases the prescribed maximum additional pension for the purposes of section 52(3) of the Contributions and Benefits Act.

Article 14 increases the rates of disability living allowance.

Article 15 increases the rates of personal independence payment.

Article 16 increases the rates of age addition and the rates referred to in Article 16(2) for claimants entitled to long-term incapacity benefit.

Article 17 increases the rates of transitional invalidity allowance and the rates referred to in Article 17(2) for claimants entitled to long-term incapacity benefit.

Article 18 increases the rates of widowed mother's allowance, widow's pension, widowed parent's allowance and bereavement allowance.

Part 3 relates to income support and housing benefit.

Article 19 sets out the sums relevant to the applicable amount for the purposes of income support. Article 19(3) and Schedule 2 set out the personal allowances; Article 19(4) and (5) and Schedule 3 set out the premiums; and Article 19(7) and Schedule 4 set out other miscellaneous amounts.

Article 20 provides for the percentage increase of sums payable by way of special transitional additions to income support.

Article 21 sets out the sums relevant to the applicable amount for the purposes of housing benefit. Article 21(6) and Schedule 5 set out the personal allowances and Article 21(8) and Schedule 6 set out the premiums.

Article 22 sets out the sums relevant to the applicable amount for the purposes of housing benefit for persons over the qualifying age for state pension credit. Article 22(5) and Schedule 7 set out the personal allowances and Article 22(6) and (7) and Schedule 8 set out the premiums.

Part 4 relates to jobseeker's allowance.

Article 23 sets out the sums relevant to the applicable amount for the purposes of income-based jobseeker's allowance. Article 23(3) and Schedule 9 set out the personal allowances; Article 23(4) and (5) and Schedule 10 set out the premiums; Article 23(6) and Schedule 11 set out the amounts of premiums relevant to joint-claim couples; and Article 23(8) and Schedule 12 set out other miscellaneous amounts.

Part 5 relates to state pension credit.

Article 24 and Schedule 13 specify sums relevant to state pension credit.

Part 6 relates to employment and support allowance.

Article 25 sets out the sums relevant to the applicable amount for the purposes of employment and support allowance under the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008. Article 25(2) and Schedule 14 set out the premiums; Article 25(3) increases the support component; and Article 25(5) and Schedule 15 set out other miscellaneous amounts.

Article 26 increases the support component for employment and support allowance under the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016.

Part 7 relates to universal credit.

Article 27 and Schedules 16 and 17 specify the amounts relevant to universal credit.

Article 28 revokes the Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order (Northern Ireland) 2017 (S.R. 2017 No. 56). That Order revoked the Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 (S.R. 2015 No. 124) with savings, and the Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order (Northern Ireland) 2016 (S.R. 2016 No. 92).