Explanatory note

Regulation 2 provides that where a question has arisen about the effect of the Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order (Northern Ireland) 1993 (“the up-rating order”) on a benefit already in payment the altered rates will not apply until the question is determined by an adjudicating authority.

Regulation 3 applies the provisions of regulation 5 of the Social Security Benefit (Persons Abroad) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1978 so as to restrict the application of the increases specified in the up-rating order in cases where the beneficiary lives abroad.

Regulation 4 raises from £40.50 to £42.00 the earnings limit which applies to those undertaking work in certain circumstances while receiving sickness or invalidity benefit.

Regulation 5 raises from £2,106 to £2,184 a year the earnings limit which applies to unemployability supplement.

Regulation 6 specifies earnings limits for child dependency increases payable with an invalid care allowance.

Regulation 7 contains a revocation consequential upon the coming into operation of these regulations.

These regulations make in relation to Northern Ireland only provision corresponding to provision contained in regulations made by the Secretary of State for Social Security in relation to Great Britain and accordingly, by virtue of section 149(3) of, and paragraph 3 of Schedule 5 to, the Social Security Administration (Northern Ireland) Act 1992 (c. 8), are not subject to the requirement of section 149(2) of that Act for prior reference to the Social Security Advisory Committee.