Explanatory note

These Regulations amend the Social Security (Maternity Allowance) (Work Abroad) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1987 (S.R. 1987 No. 151) (“the principal Regulations”). The amendments are in consequence of changes made by Article 50 of the Welfare Reform and Pensions (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/3147 (N.I. 11)) to the conditions for a maternity allowance under section 35 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992 (c. 7). The purpose of the amendments to the principal Regulations is to ensure that they continue to enable women who are ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland but who have worked abroad to satisfy, in specified circumstances, certain of the conditions for a maternity allowance.

Regulation 1 provides for citation and commencement, and regulation 2 for interpretation.

Regulation 3 amends regulation 1(2) of the principal Regulations.

Regulation 4 amends regulation 2 of the principal Regulations.

These Regulations do not impose any charge on business.