PART 1 INTRODUCTION

Citation and commencement

1.  This Order may be cited as theSocial Security (2022 Benefits Up-rating) Order (Northern Ireland) 20 23 and shall come into operation on 27th March 2023.

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 Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2017” means the Employment and Support Allowance (Consequential Amendments and Transitional and Savings Provisions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017( 11);

“ the Great Britain Up-rating Order” means the Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2022( 12);

“ the Housing Benefit Regulations” means the Housing Benefit Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006( 13);

“ the Housing Benefit (Abolition of the Family Premium and date of claim) Regulations” means the Housing Benefit (Abolition of the Family Premium and date of claim) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016( 14);

“ the Housing Benefit (SPC) Regulations” means the Housing Benefit (Persons who have attained the qualifying age for state pension credit) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006( 15);

“ the Income Support Regulations” means the Income Support (General) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1987( 16);

“ the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations 1996” means the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996( 17);

“ the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations 2016” means the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016( 18)

“ the Loans for Mortgage Interest Regulations” means the Loans for Mortgage Interest Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017( 19);

“ the State Pension Credit Regulations” means the State Pension Credit Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003( 20); and

“ the Universal Credit Regulations” means the Universal Credit Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016( 21).

(2) Subject to paragraph (3), the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954 ( 22) 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 2 SOCIAL 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 benefits, 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 ( 23), the sums specified for the increase in 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 3.1 per cent.

(2) In section 44(4) of the Contributions and Benefits Act ( 24) (basic pension of Category A retirement pension)—

(a) for “£110.05” substitute “£113.45”; and

(b) for “£137.60” substitute “£141.85”.

(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 2021-2022;

(b) the increases in the rates of retirement pensions under Schedule 5 to the Contributions and Benefits Act ( 25) (pension increase or lump sum where entitlement to retirement pension is deferred); lump sums to which surviving spouses or civil partners will become entitled under paragraph 7A of that Schedule ( 26) 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

(c) 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 ( 27), Article 64 of the Social Security (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 ( 28) or section 132 of the Administration Act,

shall in each case be increased by 3.1 per cent.

(4) The sums which are shared additional pensions under sections 55A and 55AA of the Contributions and Benefits Act ( 29), and the sums which are increases in the rates of such pensions under paragraph 2 of Schedule 5A to that Act ( 30), shall in each case be increased by 3.1 per cent.

Rates or amounts of certain benefits under the Pension Schemes Act

5.  It is directed that the 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 ( 31)) shall be increased by—

(a) 3.1 per cent where the increase under section 11(1) is attributable to earnings factors for the tax year 1987-88 and earlier tax years ( 32); and

(b) 0.1 per cent where the increase under section 11(1) is attributable to earnings factors for the tax years 1988-89 to 1996-97 inclusive.

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 ( 33) (full rate of state pension) for “£179.60” substitute “£185.15”.

(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 3.1 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;

(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 one or more other pensions under Part 1 of 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 one or more other pensions under Part 1 of that Act exceed the full rate,

shall in each case be increased by 3.1 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 ( 34) (earnings limits in respect of child dependency increases)—

(a) for “£245.00”, in both places where it occurs, substitute “£255.00”; and

(b) for “£33.00” substitute “£34.00”.

Statutory sick pay

8.  In section 153(1) of the Contributions and Benefits Act ( 35) (rate of payment) for “£96.35” substitute “£99.35”.

Statutory maternity pay

9.  In regulation 6 of the Statutory Maternity Pay (General) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1987 ( 36) (prescribed rate of statutory maternity pay) for “£151.97” substitute “£156.66”.

Statutory paternity pay, statutory adoption payand statutory shared parental pay

10.—(1) In the Statutory Paternity Pay and Statutory Adoption Pay (Weekly Rates) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002 ( 37)—

(a) in regulation 2(a) (weekly rate of payment of statutory paternity pay) for “£151.97” substitute “£156.66”; and

(b) in regulation 3(a) (weekly rate of payment of statutory adoption pay) for “£151.97” substitute “£156.66”.

(2) In regulation 40(1)(a) of the Statutory Shared Parental Pay (General) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 ( 38) (weekly rate of payment of statutory shared parental pay) for “£151.97” substitute “£156.66”.

Graduated retirement benefit

11.—(1) In section 35(1) of the National Insurance Act (Northern Ireland) 1966 ( 39) (graduated retirement benefit)—

(a) the sum of 14.47 pence shall be increased by 3.1 per cent; and

(b) the reference in that provision to that sum shall have effect as a reference to 14.92 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 ( 40) (increases for deferred entitlement to a Category A or Category B retirement pension) shall be increased by 3.1 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 ( 41) (increases of graduated retirement benefit and lump sums) shall be increased by 3.1 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 3.1 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 ( 42) (Category C retirement pension for widows of men over pensionable age on 5th July 1948) for “£82.45” substitute “£85.00”.

Maximum additional pension

13.  In regulation 2A of the Social Security (Maximum Additional Pension) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 ( 43) (prescribed maximum additional pension for survivors who become entitled on or after 6th April 2016) for “£180.31” substitute “£185.90”.

Disability living allowance

14.  In regulation 4 of the Social Security (Disability Living Allowance) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1992 ( 44) (rate of benefit)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(a) for “£89.60” substitute “£92.40”;

(b) in paragraph (1)(b) for “£60.00” substitute “£61.85”;

(c) in paragraph (1)(c) for “£23.70” substitute “£24.45”;

(d) in paragraph (2)(a) for “£62.55” substitute “£64.50”; and

(e) in paragraph (2)(b) for “£23.70” substitute “£24.45”.

Personal independence payment

15.  In regulation 24 of the Personal Independence Payment Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016 ( 45) (rate of personal independence payment)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(a) for “£60.00” substitute “£61.85”;

(b) in paragraph (1)(b) for “£89.60” substitute “£92.40”;

(c) in paragraph (2)(a) for “£23.70” substitute “£24.45”; and

(d) in paragraph (2)(b) for “£62.55” substitute “£64.50”.

Age additionto long-term incapacity benefit

16.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), in regulation 9(2) of the Social Security (Incapacity Benefit) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1994 ( 46) (increase in rate of incapacity benefit where beneficiary is under prescribed age on the qualifying date)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (a) for “£23.40” substitute “£24.15”; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (b) for “£11.75” substitute “£12.10”.

(2) In so far as a claimant entitled to long-term incapacity benefit corresponds to a claimant under Article 17(2) of the Great Britain Up-rating Order, the sums specified in regulation 9(2)(a) and (b) of the Social Security (Incapacity Benefit) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1994 shall be increased to “£12.55” and “£6.95” respectively.

Transitional invalidity allowanceinlong-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 ( 47) (rate of long-term incapacity benefit in transitional cases)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (a) for “£23.40” substitute “£24.15”;

(b) in sub-paragraph (b) for “£15.00” substitute “£15.50”; and

(c) in sub-paragraph (c) for “£7.50” substitute “£7.75”.

(2) In so far as a claimant entitled to long-term incapacity benefit corresponds to a claimant under Article 18(2) of the Great Britain Up-rating Order, the sums specified in regulation 18(2)(a), (b) and (c) of the Social Security (Incapacity Benefit) (Transitional) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995 shall be increased to “£12.55”, “£6.95” and “£6.95” respectively.

Bereavement benefits

18.  In the Rate of Bereavement Benefits Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 ( 48)—

(a) in regulation 2 (rate of widowed mother’s allowance and widow’s pension) for “£122.55” substitute “£126.35”; and

(b) in regulation 3 (rate ofwidowed parent’s allowance ) for “£122.55” substitute “£126.35”.

Bereavement support payment

19.  In regulation 3 of the Bereavement Support Payment (No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019 ( 49) (rate of bereavement support payment)—

(a) in paragraph (1) the sum of £350 remains the same;

(b) in paragraph (2) the sum of £3,500 remains the same;

(c) in paragraph (4) the sum of £100 remains the same; and

(d) in paragraph (5) the sum of £2,500 remains the same.

PART 3 INCOME SUPPORT AND HOUSING BENEFIT

Applicable amounts for income support

20.—(1) The sums relevant to the calculation of an applicable amount as specified in the Income Support Regulations ( 50) shall be the sums set out in this Article and Schedules 2 and 3 to this Order; and unless stated otherwise, 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) ( 51); and

(b) paragraphs 13A(2)(a) and 14(2)(a) of Part III of Schedule 2 ( 52),

the sum specified is in each case £3,000 (which remains the same).

(3) In Part I of Schedule 2 (applicable amounts: personal allowances)—

(a) the sums specified in paragraph 1 shall be as set out in Schedule 2 to this Order; and

(b) in paragraph 2(1) ( 53), in sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of column (2) of the table for “£68.60” substitute “£70.80”.

(4) In paragraph 3(1) of Part II of Schedule 2 ( 54) (applicable amounts: family premium) for the sum of “£17.65”, in both places, substitute “£17.85”.

(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 11(5) of Schedule 3 ( 55) (general provisions applying to housing costs) as it has effect in a case falling within regulation 20 of the Loans for Mortgage Interest Regulations ( 56) the sum of £100,000 remains the same.

(7) In paragraph 18 of Schedule 3 ( 57) (housing costs: non-dependant deductions)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (1) for “£102.85” and “£15.95” substitute “£106.05”and “£16.45”respectively; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (2)—

(i) in head (a) for “£149.00” substitute “£154.00”,

(ii) in head (b) for “£149.00”, “£217.00” and “£36.65” substitute “£154.00”, “£224.00” and “£37.80” respectively,

(iii) in head (c) for “£217.00”, “£283.00” and “£50.30” substitute “£224.00”, “£292.00” and “£51.85” respectively,

(iv) in head (d) for “£283.00”, “£377.00” and “£82.30” substitute “£292.00”, “£389.00” and “£84.85” respectively, and

(v) in head (e) for“£377.00”, “£469.00” and “£93.70” substitute “£389.00”, “£484.00” and “£96.60” respectively.

Income support transitional protection

21.  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 ( 58) shall be increased by 3.1 per cent.

Relevant sum for income support

22.  In section 125(7) of the Contributions and Benefits Act (trade disputes) for “£41.00” substitute “£42.50”.

Housing benefit

23.—(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 4 and 5 to this Order; and unless stated otherwise, 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 24(3) (calculation of income on a weekly basis) the sums of £175.00 and £300 remain the same.

(3) In regulation 72 ( 59) (non-dependant deductions)—

(a) in paragraph (1) for “£102.85” and “£15.95” substitute “£106.05”and “£16.45”respectively; and

(b) in paragraph (2)—

(i) in sub-paragraph (a) for “£149.00” substitute “£154.00”,

(ii) in sub-paragraph (b) for “£149.00”, “£217.00” and “£36.65” substitute “£154.00”, “£224.00” and “£37.80” respectively,

(iii) in sub-paragraph (c) for “£217.00”, “£283.00” and “£50.30” substitute “£224.00”, “£292.00” and “£51.85” respectively,

(iv) in sub-paragraph (d) for “£283.00”, “£377.00” and “£82.30” substitute “£292.00”, “£389.00” and “£84.85” respectively, and

(v) in sub-paragraph (e) for “£377.00”, “£469.00” and “£93.70” substitute “£389.00”, “£484.00” and “£96.60” respectively.

(4) In Schedule 1 ( 60) (ineligible service charges)—

(a) in paragraph 2 for “£29.20”, “£29.20”, “£14.80”, “£19.45”, “£19.45”, “£9.75” and “£3.60” substitute “£30.10”, “£30.10”, “£15.25”, “£20.05”, “£20.05”, “£10.05” and “£3.70” respectively; and

(b) in paragraph 6(2) for “£34.30”, “£4.00”, “£2.75” and “£4.00” substitute “£35.25”, “£4.10”, “£2.85” and “£4.10” respectively.

(5) In Part I of Schedule 4 (applicable amounts: personal allowances)—

(a) the sums specified in paragraph 1 shall be as set out in Schedule 4 to this Order; and

(b) in paragraph 2(1), in sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of column (2) of the table for “£68.60” substitute “£70.80”.

(6) In paragraph 3(1) of Part II of Schedule 4 ( 61) (applicable amounts: family premium) as it has effect in a case falling within regulation 5 (transitional provision) of the Housing Benefit (Abolition of the Family Premium and date of claim) Regulations—

(a) in sub-paragraph (a) the sum of £22.20 remains the same; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (b), for “£17.65” substitute “£17.85”.

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

(8) In Part VI of Schedule 4 ( 62) (amount of component)—

(a) in paragraph 25, as it has effect in cases falling within paragraphs 2 to 7 of Schedule 2 to the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2017, for “£29.70” substitute “£30.60”; and

(b) in paragraph 26, for “£39.40” substitute “£40.60”.

(9) In paragraph 17(1) and (3)(c) of Schedule 5 ( 63) (sums to be disregarded in the calculation of earnings) the sum of £17.10 remains the same.

(10) In paragraph 58 of Schedule 6 ( 64) (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

24.—(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 6 and 7 to this Order; and unless stated otherwise, 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 remain the same.

(3) In regulation 53 ( 65) (non-dependant deductions)—

(a) in paragraph (1) for “£102.85” and “£15.95” substitute “£106.05”and “£16.45”respectively; and

(b) in paragraph (2)—

(i) in sub-paragraph (a) for “£149.00” substitute “£154.00”,

(ii) in sub-paragraph (b) for “£149.00”, “£217.00” and “£36.65” substitute “£154.00”, “£224.00” and “£37.80” respectively,

(iii) in sub-paragraph (c) for “£217.00”, “£283.00” and “£50.30” substitute “£224.00”, “£292.00” and “£51.85” respectively,

(iv) in sub-paragraph (d) for “£283.00”, “£377.00” and “£82.30” substitute “£292.00”, “£389.00” and “£84.85” respectively, and

(v) in sub-paragraph (e) for “£377.00”, “£469.00” and “£93.70” substitute “£389.00”, “£484.00” and “£96.60” respectively.

(4) In Schedule 1 ( 66) (ineligible service charges)—

(a) in paragraph 2 for “£29.20”, “£29.20”, “£14.80”, “£19.45”, “£19.45”, “£9.75” and “£3.60” substitute “£30.10”, “£30.10”, “£15.25”, “£20.05”, “£20.05”, “£10.05” and “£3.70” respectively; and

(b) in paragraph 6(2) for “£34.30”, “£4.00”, “£2.75” and “£4.00” substitute “£35.25”, “£4.10”, “£2.85” and “£4.10” respectively.

(5) In Part I of Schedule 4 ( 67) (applicable amounts: personal allowances)—

(a) the sums specified in paragraph 1 shall be as set out in Schedule 6 to this Order; and

(b) in paragraph 2(1), in sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of column (2) of the table for “£68.60” substitute “£70.80”.

(6) In paragraph 3(1) of Part II of Schedule 4 ( 68) (applicable amounts: family premium) as it has effect in a case falling within regulation 5 (transitional provision) of the Housing Benefit (Abolition of Family Premium and date of claim) Regulations for “£17.65” substitute “£17.85”.

(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 7 to this Order.

(8) In paragraph 9(1) and (3)(c) of Schedule 5 ( 69) (sums disregarded from claimant’s earnings) the sum of £17.10 remains the same.

(9) In paragraph 22 of Schedule 6 ( 70) (amounts to be disregarded in the calculation of income other than earnings) the sum of £17.10 remains the same.

PART 4 JOBSEEKER’S ALLOWANCE

Age-related amounts of contribution-based jobseeker’s allowance

25.  In regulation 79(1) of the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations 1996 ( 71) (weekly amounts of contribution-based jobseeker’s allowance)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (a) for “£59.20” substitute “£61.05”; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (c) for “£74.70” substitute “£77.00”.

Applicable amounts for jobseeker’s allowance

26.—(1) The sums relevant to the calculation of an applicable amount as specified in the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations ( 72) shall be the sums set out in this Article and Schedules 8 to 10 to this Order, and unless stated otherwise, 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 1996 bearing that number.

(2) In—

(a) regulations 83(b), 84(1)(c) and 85(1) ( 73); and

(b) paragraphs 15A(2)(a) and 16(2)(a) of Part III of Schedule 1 ( 74) (premiums),

the sum specified is in each case £3,000 (which remains the same).

(3) In Part I of Schedule 1 (applicable amounts: personal allowances)—

(a) the sums specified in paragraph 1 shall be as set out in Schedule 8 to this Order; and

(b) in paragraph 2(1) ( 75), in sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) of column (2) of the table for “£68.60” substitute “£70.80”.

(4) In paragraph 4(1) of Part II of Schedule 1 ( 76) (applicable amounts: family premium) for the sum of “£17.65”, in both places, substitute “£17.85”.

(5) The sums specified in Part IV of Schedule 1 (applicable amounts: weekly amounts of premiums) shall be as set out in Schedule 9 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 10 to this Order.

(7) In paragraph 10(4) of Schedule 2 ( 77) (general provisions applying to housing costs) as it has effect in a case falling within regulation 20 of the Loans for Mortgage Interest Regulations the sum of £100,000 remains the same.

(8) In paragraph 17 of Schedule 2 ( 78) (housing costs: non-dependant deductions)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (1) for “£102.85” and “£15.95” substitute “£106.05”and “£16.45”respectively; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (2)—

(i) in head (a) the sum “£149.00” substitute “£154.00”,

(ii) in head (b) for “£149.00”, “£217.00” and “£36.65” substitute “£154.00”, “£224.00” and “£37.80” respectively,

(iii) in head (c) for “£217.00”, “£283.00” and “£50.30” substitute “£224.00”, “£292.00” and “£51.85” respectively,

(iv) in head (d) for “£283.00”, “£377.00” and “£82.30” substitute “£292.00”, “£389.00” and “£84.85” respectively, and

(v) in head (e) for “£377.00”, “£469.00” and “£93.70” substitute “£389.00”, “£484.00” and “£96.60” respectively.

Prescribed sum for the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations 1996

27.  In regulation 170 of the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations 1996 ( 79) (trade disputes: prescribed sum) for “£41.00” substitute “£42.50”.

Amounts for the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations 2016

28.  In regulation 49 of the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations 2016 (weekly amounts of jobseeker’s allowance)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(a) for “£59.20” substitute “£61.05”; and

(b) in paragraph (1)(b) for “£74.70” substitute “£77.00”.

PART 5 STATE PENSION CREDIT

State pension credit

29.—(1) The sums specified in the State Pension Credit Regulations shall be the sums set out in this Article, and unless stated otherwise, 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 ( 80) (amount of the guarantee credit)—

(a) in paragraph (1) for “£270.30” and “£177.10” substitute “£278.70”and “£182.60”respectively;

(b) in paragraph (5) for “£67.30” and “£134.60” substitute “£69.40”and “£138.80”respectively; and

(c) in paragraph (8) for “£37.70” substitute “£38.85”.

(3) In regulation 7(2) ( 81) (savings credit) for “£153.70” and “£244.12” substitute “£158.47”and “£251.70”respectively.

(4) In paragraph 8(2) of Schedule 2 ( 82) (general provisions applying to housing costs) as it has effect in a case falling within regulation 20 of the Loans for Mortgage Interest Regulations the sum of £100,000 remains the same.

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

(a) in sub-paragraph (1) ( 83) for “£102.85” and “£15.95” substitute “£106.05”and “£16.45”respectively; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (2) ( 84)—

(i) in head (a) for “£149.00” substitute “£154.00”,

(ii) in head (b) for “£149.00”, “£217.00” and “£36.65” substitute “£154.00”, “£224.00” and “£37.80” respectively,

(iii) in head (c) for “£217.00”, “£283.00” and “£50.30” substitute “£224.00”, “£292.00” and “£51.85” respectively,

(iv) in head (d) for “£283.00”, “£377.00” and “£82.30” substitute “£292.00”, “£389.00” and “£84.85” respectively, and

(v) in head (e) for “£377.00”, “£469.00” and “£93.70” substitute “£389.00”, “£484.00” and “£96.60” respectively.

(6) In paragraph 9 of Schedule 2A ( 85) (additional amount applicable for claimants responsible for a child or qualifying young person: amount of additional payment)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (1)(a) for “£54.60” substitute “£56.35”; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (1)(b)—

(i) for “£29.66” substitute “£30.58”, and

(ii) for “£92.54” substitute “£95.48”.

(7) In paragraph 10 of Schedule 2A (additional amount applicable for claimants responsible for a child or qualifying young person: amount for the eldest child or qualifying young person born before 6th April 2017) for “£65.10” substitute “£66.85”.

(8) In paragraph 1 of Schedule 3 ( 86) (special groups: polygamous marriages)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (5), in the substituted regulation 6(1), for “£270.30”and “£93.20” substitute “£278.70” and “£96.10” respectively; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (7), in the substituted regulation 7(2), for “£244.12”substitute “£251.70”.

PART 6 EMPLOYMENT AND SUPPORT ALLOWANCE

Applicable amounts for the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2008

30.—(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 11 and 12 to this Order; and unless stated otherwise, 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 1 of Schedule 4 (prescribed amounts) shall be as set out in paragraph 1 of Schedule 11 to this Order except in cases referred to in paragraph (3).

(3) In cases falling within paragraphs 2 to 7 of Schedule 2 to the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2017 ( 87), the sums specified in paragraph 1 of Schedule 4 to the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2008 shall be as set out in paragraph 2 of Schedule 11 to this Order.

(4) The sums specified in Part 3 of Schedule 4 (weekly amount of premiums specified in Part 2) shall be as set out in paragraph 1 of Schedule 12 to this Order.

(5) In cases falling within paragraphs 2 to 7 of Schedule 2 to the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2017, the sums specified in paragraph 11(1) of Schedule 4 to the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2008 shall be as set out in paragraph 2 of Schedule 12 to this Order.

(6) In Part 4 of Schedule 4 ( 88) (the component)—

(a) in cases falling within paragraphs 2 to 7 of Schedule 2 to the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2017, in paragraph 12 for “£29.70” substitute “£30.60”; and

(b) in paragraph 13 for “£39.40” substitute “£40.60”.

(7) In paragraph 12 of Schedule 6 (general provisions applying to housing costs) as it has effect in a case falling within regulation 20 of the Loans for Mortgage Interest Regulations—

(a) in sub-paragraph (4) ( 89) the sum of £100,000 remains the same;

(b) in sub-paragraph (12)(b) ( 90) the sum of £150,000 remains the same; and

(c) in sub-paragraph (12)(c) the sum of £125,000 remains the same.

(8) In paragraph 19 of Schedule 6 ( 91) (housing costs: non-dependant deductions)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (1) for “£102.85” and “£15.95” substitute “£106.05”and “£16.45”respectively; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (2)—

(i) in head (a) for “£149.00” substitute “£154.00”,

(ii) in head (b) for “£149.00”, “£217.00” and “£36.65” substitute “£154.00”, “£224.00” and “£37.80” respectively,

(iii) in head (c) for “£217.00”, “£283.00” and “£50.30” substitute “£224.00”, “£292.00” and “£51.85” respectively,

(iv) in head (d) for “£283.00”, “£377.00” and “£82.30” substitute “£292.00”, “£389.00” and “£84.85” respectively, and

(v) in head (e) for “£377.00”, “£469.00” and “£93.70” substitute “£389.00”, “£484.00” and “£96.60” respectively.

Prescribed amount for the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2016

31.—(1) In regulation 62 of the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2016 ( 92) (prescribed amounts)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(a) and (b)(i) for “£74.70” substitute “£77.00”;

(b) in paragraph (1)(b)(ii) for “£59.20” substitute “£61.05”; and

(c) in paragraph (2) for “£39.40” substitute “£40.60”.

(2) In regulation 62(2) of the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2016 (prescribed amounts), as it has effect in cases falling within paragraphs 2 to 7 of Schedule 2 to the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2017—

(a) in sub-paragraph (a) for “£29.70” substitute “£30.60”; and

(b) in sub-paragraph (b) for “£39.40” substitute “£40.60”.

(3) In regulation 62 of the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2016 (prescribed amounts) as modified by paragraph 4(f) of Schedule 2 to the Employment and Support Allowance (Transitional Provisions and Housing Benefit) (Existing Awards) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 ( 93) as that paragraph is modified by paragraph 21(4)(e) of Schedule 3 to the Welfare Reform (Northern Ireland) Order 2015 (Commencement No. 8 and Transitional and Transitory Provisions) Order 2017 ( 94)—

(a) in paragraph (1)(a)(i) and (ii)(aa) for “£74.70” substitute “£77.00”; and

(b) in paragraph (1)(a)(ii)(bb) for “£59.20” substitute “£61.05”.

PART 7 UNIVERSAL CREDIT

Universal credit

32.—(1) In the table in regulation 23 of the Universal Credit Regulations ( 95) (deduction of income and work allowance)—

(a) for “£557”, in each place where it occurs, substitute “£573”; and

(b) for “£335”, in each place where it occurs, substitute “£344”.

(2) The amounts specified in the table in regulation 38 of the Universal Credit Regulations (amounts of elements) shall be as set out in Schedule 13 to this Order.

(3) In paragraph 13(1) of Schedule 4 to the Universal Credit Regulations ( 96) (amount of housing cost contributions) for “£75.53” substitute “£77.87”.

(4) In Part 4 of Schedule 5 to the Universal Credit Regulations ( 97) (calculation of amount of housing costs for owner-occupiers)—

(a) in paragraph 10(2)Step 3; and

(b) in paragraph 11(2)Step 2,

as those paragraphs have effect in a case falling within regulation 20 of the Loans for Mortgage Interest Regulations the sum of £200,000 remains the same.

PART 8 REVOCATION

Revocation

33.  The Social Security Benefits Up-rating (No. 2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 ( 98) is revoked.

Article 3(1)

SCHEDULE1 Provisions of Schedule 4 to the Contributions and Benefits Act as amended by this Order

PART I CONTRIBUTORY PERIODICAL BENEFITS

PART III NON-CONTRIBUTORY PERIODICAL BENEFITS

PART IV INCREASES FOR DEPENDANTS

PART V RATE OF INDUSTRIAL INJURIES BENEFIT

Article 20(3)

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

PART 1 PERSONAL ALLOWANCES

1. The weekly amounts specified in column (2) below in respect of each person or couple specified in column (1) shall be the weekly amounts specified for the purposes of regulations 17(1)(a) and 18(1)(a) and (b) (applicable amounts and polygamous marriages).

Article 20(5)

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

PART IV WEEKLY AMOUNTS OF PREMIUMS SPECIFIED IN PART III

Article 23(5)

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

PART I PERSONAL ALLOWANCES

1. The amounts specified in column (2) in respect of each person or couple specified in column (1) shall be the amounts specified for the purposes of regulations 20(a) and 21(a) and (b)—

Article 23(7)

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

PART IV AMOUNTS OF PREMIUMS SPECIFIED IN PART III

Article 24(5)(a)

SCHEDULE 6 Paragraph 1 of Part I of Schedule 4 to the Housing Benefit (SPC) Regulations as amended by this Order

PART I PERSONAL ALLOWANCES

1. The amount specified in column (2) ( 119) in respect of each person or couple specified in column (1) shall be the amount specified for the purposes of regulation 20—

Article 24(7)

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

PART IV AMOUNTS OF PREMIUMS SPECIFIED IN PART III

Article 26(3)(a)

SCHEDULE 8 Part I of Schedule 1 to the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations 1996 as amended by this Order

PART I PERSONAL ALLOWANCES

1. The weekly amounts specified in column (2) ( 121) below in respect of each person or couple specified in column (1) shall be the weekly amounts specified for the purposes of regulations 83, 84(1), 86A and 86B (applicable amounts and polygamous marriages).

Article 26(5)

SCHEDULE 9 Part IV of Schedule 1 to the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations 1996 as amended by this Order

PART IV WEEKLY AMOUNTS OF PREMIUMS SPECIFIED IN PART III

Article 26(6)

SCHEDULE 10 Part IVB of Schedule 1 to the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations 1996 as amended by this Order

PART IVB( 127) WEEKLY AMOUNTS OF PREMIUMS SPECIFIED IN PART IVA

Article 30(1), (2) and (3)

SCHEDULE 11 Part 1 of Schedule 4 to the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2008 as amended by this Order

1.This paragraph applies to cases other than those falling within paragraphs 2 to 7 of Schedule 2 to the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2017.

PART 1 PRESCRIBED AMOUNTS

1. The weekly amounts specified in column (2) ( 128) in respect of each person or couple specified in column (1) shall be the weekly amounts specified for the purposes of regulations 67(1) and 68 (prescribed amounts and polygamous marriages).

2.This paragraph applies to cases falling within paragraphs 2 to 7 of Schedule 2 to the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2017.

PART 1 PRESCRIBED AMOUNTS

1. The weekly amounts specified in column (2) in respect of each person or couple specified in column (1) shall be the weekly amounts specified for the purposes of regulations 67(1) and 68 (prescribed amounts and polygamous marriages).

Article 30(1), (4) and (5)

SCHEDULE 12 Part 3 of Schedule 4 to the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2008 as amended by this Order

PART 3 WEEKLY AMOUNT OF PREMIUMS SPECIFIED IN PART 2

Article 32(2)

SCHEDULE 13 Amounts of certain elements specified in the table in regulation 38 of the Universal Credit Regulations as amended by this Order

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 (No. 2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 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. 2022/292) 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 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 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 17(2) for claimants entitled to long-term incapacity benefit in so far as they correspond to a claimant in Great Britain who was subject to regulation 2(3) of the Employment and Support Allowance (Up-rating Modification) (Transitional) Regulations 2008.

Article 17 increases the rates of transitional invalidity allowance and the rates referred to in Article 18(2) for claimants entitled to long-term incapacity benefit in so far as they correspond to a claimant in Great Britain who was subject to regulation 2(3) of the Employment and Support Allowance (Up-rating Modification) (Transitional) Regulations 2008.

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

Article 19 specifies the rates of bereavement support payment.

Part 3 relates to income support and housing benefit.

Article 20 sets out the sums relevant to the applicable amount for the purposes of income support. Article 21(3) and Schedule 2 sets out certain personal allowances and Article 21(4) and (5) and Schedule 3 set out the premiums.

Article 21 provides for the percentage increase of sums payable by way of special transitional additions to income support.

Article 22 states the sum by which any income support of a person involved in a trade dispute is reduced.

Article 23 sets out the sums relevant to the applicable amount for the purposes of housing benefit. Article 24(5) and Schedule 4 sets out certain personal allowances and Article 24(7) and Schedule 5 set out the premiums.

Article 24 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 25(5) and Schedule 6 set out the personal allowances and Article 25(6) and (7) and Schedule 7 set out the premiums.

Part 4 relates to jobseeker’s allowance.

Article 25 increases the age-related amounts for contribution-based jobseeker’s allowance.

Article 26 sets out the sums relevant to the applicable amount for the purposes of income-based jobseeker’s allowance. Article 27(3) and Schedule 8 sets out certain personal allowances; Article 27(4) and (5) and Schedule 9 set out the premiums; Article 27(6) and Schedule 10 set out the amounts of premiums relevant to joint-claim couples.

Article 27 states the sum by which any jobseeker’s allowance of a person involved in a trade dispute is reduced.

Article 28 increases the amounts of jobseeker’s allowance for the purposes of the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016.

Part 5 relates to state pension credit.

Article 29 specifies sums relevant to state pension credit.

Part 6 relates to employment and support allowance.

Article 30 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 31(2) and (3) and Schedule 11 increase the contributory allowance of employment and support allowance and the prescribed amounts for income-related employment and support allowance; Article 31(3), (4) and (5) and Schedule 12 sets out the premiums and Article 31(6) increases the components.

Article 31 increases the prescribed amounts for employment and support allowance set out in regulation 62 of the Employment and Support Allowance Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016.

Part 7 relates to universal credit.

Article 32 and Schedule 13 specify the amounts relevant to universal credit.

Article 33 revokes the Social Security Benefits Up-rating (No. 2) Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 ( S.R. 2022 No. 231). That Order revoked the Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order (Northern Ireland) 2022 ( S.R. 2022 No. 143).