AQW 13772/22-27

Ms Sian Mulholland
Alliance Party
North Antrim

Tabled Date: 24/06/2024
Answered On Date: 02/07/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
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.

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.