If you moved from England, or read advice written for England, you may think the bedroom tax and the benefit cap hit you the same way here. In Northern Ireland they are topped up. If you have lost benefit and are not getting a payment, contact the Welfare Supplementary Payments Team to check.
Quick facts
- Covers losses from
- Benefit Cap, PIP, Carer's Allowance, Housing Benefit changes
- Paid
- Every four weeks in arrears
- Moving to Universal Credit
- It continues, usually automatically
- More than one?
- Possible
- Tax
- May be taxable
What they cover
"Welfare Supplementary Payments are available to support you if you may lose out under the following changes:"
- The Benefit Cap
- Personal Independence Payment
- Carer's Allowance
- Changes to Housing Benefit, including the social sector size criteria (the 'bedroom tax')
"You may be eligible for more than one Welfare Supplementary Payment depending on your circumstances."
Moving to Universal Credit
"If you currently get a Welfare Supplementary Payment and you are still affected by the social sector size criteria ‘bedroom tax’, benefit cap or other Welfare Supplementary Payments, after you move to Universal Credit, you will continue to be entitled to this payment."
"You will not usually need to do anything." Questions go to the Universal Credit Service Centre or your journal.
Changes, over-payments and tax
Report changes such as going into hospital or a care home, moving house, or new bank details. Your award letter explains how.
If you are told you were overpaid and disagree, ask for a review within one month of the letter, by writing to or phoning the Department for Communities.
In exceptional cases repayment can be waived, for example if repaying would damage your health or you have long-term money problems. "The waiver request must be made within three months of the date on your over-payment notice letter."
"Your Welfare Supplementary Payment may be taxable." If yours is, it is your job to tell HMRC.
Common questions
Is there a bedroom tax in Northern Ireland?
The social sector size criteria apply, but Welfare Supplementary Payments top people up, and that continues after the move to Universal Credit.
What do Welfare Supplementary Payments cover?
Losses under the Benefit Cap, Personal Independence Payment, Carer's Allowance and changes to Housing Benefit. You may get more than one.
Do I lose my Welfare Supplementary Payment when I move to Universal Credit?
No. If you are still affected by the bedroom tax, benefit cap or other changes, you continue to be entitled, and you usually do not need to do anything.
How often are Welfare Supplementary Payments paid?
Every four weeks in arrears.
Are Welfare Supplementary Payments taxable?
They may be. If yours is taxable, you must tell HMRC yourself.
Can an over-payment be written off?
In exceptional circumstances, yes. Ask for a waiver within three months of the over-payment letter, with evidence of the effect on your health or finances.