Dungannon and Portadown next for Universal Credit roll out

Dungannon and Portadown are the next areas in Northern Ireland to have Universal Credit introduced on the 7 March 2018.

This new benefit will replace Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credits, Child Tax Credit, Income Support, Income based Job Seekers Allowance and income related Employment and Support Allowance.  Anyone of working age who gets these benefits will be affected.

Residents in Dungannon and Portadown claiming any of the above benefits for the first time will have to make a new online application for Universal Credit. They could then face a wait of 5 to 6 weeks before getting their first payment.

There could also be significant challenges for households who move from Housing Benefit to Universal Credit, due to a change in circumstances, putting peoples homes at risk.

Universal Credit is being introduced for new claims on a phased geographical basis across Northern Ireland from September 2017. The completion date was recently extended to December 2018. 

Training on Housing and Universal Credit

Housing Rights have a suite of Universal Credit courses coming up over the next few months to help you keep abreast of the changes and impact that Universal Credit will have on claimants in Northern Ireland.

Universal Credit in the Private Rented Sector
Belfast – 17 April 2018
Derry/Londonderry – 24 April 2018

Universal Credit in the Social Rented Sector
Belfast – 17 May 2018
Derry/Londonderry – 24 May 2018

Universal Credit & Housing Masterclass
Derry/Londonderry – 5 June 2018
Belfast – 12 June 2018

Get advice

Anyone who is worried about how Universal Credit might affect their housing situation should get advice.  Call Housing Rights helpline on 028 90 245640 and pick option 3 to chat to an adviser.