Regulation 3 Amendment of the Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance (Claims and Payments) RegulationsI1

The Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance (Claims and Payments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016^f1 are amended in accordance with paragraphs (2) to (5).

In Regulation 42 (Payment of universal credit), after paragraph (6), insert—

“(6A)

The Department may pay arrears of universal credit in instalments where—

(a)

the Department considers it is necessary for protecting the interests of the claimant or, in the case of joint claimants, either of the claimants; and

(b)

the claimant agrees, or in the case of joint claimants, both claimants agree, that those arrears must be paid in instalments. ”.

In Regulation 43 (Payment of personal independence payment), after paragraph (3), insert—

“(4)

The Department may pay arrears of personal independence payment in instalments where—

(a)

the department considers it is necessary for protecting the interests of the claimant; and

(b)

the claimant agrees that those arrears may be paid in instalments.”.

In Regulation 46 (Payment of an employment and support allowance), after paragraph 10, insert—

“(11)

The Department may pay arrears of employment and support allowance in instalments where—

(a)

the department considers it is necessary for protecting the interests of the claimant; and

(b)

the claimant agrees that those arrears may be paid in instalments.”.

In Regulation 47 (Payment of a jobseeker’s allowance), after paragraph 6, insert—

“(7)

The Department may pay arrears of jobseeker’s allowance in instalments where—

(a)

the department considers it is necessary for protecting the interests of the claimant; and

(b)

the claimant agrees that those arrears may be paid in instalments.”.