Single Parent, Lives North, Works South

A single parent with two dependent children is resident in NI and is a cross-border worker (part-time hours).

Due to her cross-border employment she is currently in receipt of One Parent Family Payment, Working Family Payment and Child Benefit, all payable from ROI in addition to her wages.

The lady is struggling with the cost of living and wants to check whether she has any entitlement to Universal Credit from Northern Ireland.

Her potential entitlement hinges on whether the benefits she is paid from ROI are counted as income for Universal Credit purposes.

It’s considered by the Department for Communities that these benefits are disregarded under The Universal Credit Regulations (NI) 2016.

It’s worthwhile for this lady to claim Universal Credit for some extra financial help towards her housing costs and the general cost of living for her family. There is scope for her to get help with registered childcare cost too. It’s also beneficial for the passport entitlements it confers such as free school meals/uniform grants.

HOWEVER: It’s very important to note that any income gained from Universal Credit maybe regarded as income for the means-test required for One Parent Family Payment, Working Family Payment.

For Advisors:  See Regulations 66 (1) (c ) and (b) of The Universal Credit Regulations NI 2016 Art. 6

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