Universal Credit for frontier workers living in the Republic

This page is for people who live in the Republic and work in Northern Ireland. For which country taxes you and pays Child Benefit, see cross-border workers.

Making the claim

As Universal Credit does not accept non-UK postcodes if you live in the Republic of Ireland (RoI) but work in Northern Ireland, you will need to use your nearest Jobs & Benefits office (JBO) postcode to allow your claim to progress. Further checks may be made to confirm you are claiming as a frontier worker.

You will need to prove your eligibility as a frontier/ cross border worker by providing evidence of your employment in Northern Ireland, such as your contract, payslips, a P60 or a letter from your employer.

If you are self-employed in the North

You will need to go to a gateway interview to show that your self-employment is your main work, is organised and regular, and is carried on to make a profit. You must also hold a Unique Tax Reference number (UTR) from HMRC.

Your household, children and childcare

Universal Credit is worked out for your whole household. If you have a partner living in your normal residence who is working outside of Northern Ireland, you will need to report their earnings at the end of each assessment period. Their earnings and any household savings count.

You may get the child element if you meet the normal rules, and providing there is not the same child element of Universal Credit being paid for the children in RoI. You may get help with childcare costs, but childcare provided in RoI, must be approved by the relevant state (RoI) and must be an approved childcare provider. See childcare across the border.

Illness, caring and payment

If you are ill or disabled, or a carer, you may get the extra amounts, as long as you still qualify as a frontier worker. Universal Credit payments can only be paid into a UK bank account. If you don’t have a UK bank account you will need to open one.

Common questions

Keep going