Health assessments and benefits in Northern Ireland

For fast-track claims at the end of life, see benefits at the end of life.

Universal Credit and your health

Universal Credit can support you if a health condition or disability stops you working or limits how much you can work. If you are ill or have a disability, you must tell Universal Credit as soon as you make your claim or as soon as the illness or disability occurs.

Face-to-face assessments

If you need to have someone with you to support you, you can bring one adult to your health assessment.

If you got the severe disability premium

If you get, or are entitled to, the severe disability premium you may be able to get ‘transitional protection’ if you move to Universal Credit, an extra payment to help with the move.

Compensation claims

If you claim compensation, the person or company you’re claiming from must tell the Compensation Recovery Unit Northern Ireland (CRU NI). By law, the compensator must tell the CRU NI about your claim within 14 days. They then repay the benefits you were paid because of the accident, injury or disease.

If you live abroad

Incapacity Benefit and Severe Disablement Allowance are being phased out. If you live abroad and get one of these benefits your claim will be reviewed to see if you can get Employment Support Allowance. You must complete the questionnaire and return it by the date requested.

Common questions

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