Universal Credit roll out completion date extended to December 2018

The Department for Communities announced today they have reviewed and updated the roll out schedule for Universal Credit in Northern Ireland.

As a result, the roll out phase which was due to complete in September 2018 will now be extended to December 2018.

These changes have been made following the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s announcement in the 2017 Autumn Budget of a package of measures aimed at ensuring Universal Credit claimants receive either more or earlier access to payments.

In order to deliver this additional work, the Department for Work and Pensions have extended the national roll out of new claims to Universal Credit to December 2018. 

Updated Universal Credit roll out dates for Northern Ireland

To date, Universal Credit is operational in the Limavady, Ballymoney, Magherafelt, Coleraine, Strabane and Lisnagelvin areas.  It will commence in Foyle and Armagh from 7 February, Omagh and Enniskillen from 21 February, and Dungannon and Portadown from 7 March, as originally planned. 

The extended implementation timetable is outlined below:

16/05/2018    Newry, Downpatrick
30/05/2018    Lurgan, Newcastle, Kilkeel
13/06/2018    Falls, Shankill
27/06/2018    Andersonstown, Banbridge
05/09/2018    Holywood Road, Ballynahinch
19/09/2018    Newtownabbey, Newtownards
03/10/2018    Shaftesbury Sq, Carrickfergus
17/10/2018    Knockbreda, Bangor
31/10/2018    Lisburn, Larne
14/11/2018    North Belfast, Cookstown
05/12/2018    Ballymena, Antrim

Assistance for those on Universal Credit

Independent Welfare Changes Helpline: 0808 802 0020

Housing Rights Housing helpline for welfare reform and housing advice: 028 9024 5640 (option 3)

Watch our video on assistance for rates for Universal Credit Claimants