Explanatory note

These Regulations amend the Social Security (Incapacity Benefit) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1994 to provide that, for the purposes of section 30DD of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992, a “pension payment” includes a payment under the Financial Assistance Scheme Regulations 2005 made to anyone who first becomes entitled to such a payment on or after 27th March 2009 (the date on which these Regulations come into operation).

These Regulations make in relation to Northern Ireland only provision corresponding to provision contained in Regulations made by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in relation to Great Britain and accordingly, by virtue of section 149(3) of, and paragraph 10 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.