Andersonstown and Banbridge next in Universal Credit roll out

Andersonstown in Belfast and Banbridge are the latest areas in  Northern Ireland to have Universal Credit introduced on the 27 June 2018.

Universal Credit 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 Andersonstown and Banbridge 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.

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.

The next areas to be affected are the Holywood Road area in Belfast and Ballynahinch in September.   You can check the dates for Universal Credit roll out on the NI Direct site.

Training on Housing and Universal Credit

Housing Rights have a one day course in August to help you keep abreast of the changes and impact that Universal Credit will have on claimants in Northern Ireland.

Universal Credit and Housing: Elements and Impact (1 day)
Belfast – 22 August 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.