AQW 13772/22-27 Written question to the Minister for Communities

To ask the Minister for Communities what measures he plans to implement to support healthcare workers who are currently receiving Universal Credit, but who will lose their eligibility due to the upcoming lump sum pay award in August 2024.

Asked by Sian Mulholland MLA on 24 June 2024

  • Answered
  • Written
Tabled
24 June 2024
Answer due by
9 July 2024
Answered
2 July 20248 days after tabling
Department
Department for Communities
Priority question
No

Answer

The amount of Universal Credit a person receives is likely to be reduced if their earnings increase, including the receipt of backpay.

However, based on individual circumstances, a person may be eligible for a work allowance enabling them to earn a certain amount before their Universal Credit payments are reduced. Claimants will also keep £0.45 of every £1.00 they earn over the work allowance.

A person’s claim will not close if their earnings exceed their Universal Credit eligibility in one assessment period, claims will remain open and Universal Credit payments will resume in the next assessment period providing eligibility conditions continue to be met.

Further information on how Universal Credit treats earnings can be found at Universal Credit if you're employed | nidirect.

Official sources