AQW 44623/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 23/04/2026
Answered On Date: 08/05/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any steps being taken to ensure stability of support for claimants with disabilities, particularly where interruptions to payments may have wider impacts on health or housing.

Answer:

Once entitlement is established, claimants receive regular benefit payments which provide a range of support, including help with housing, health costs, and the extra living costs arising from long-term conditions or disabilities. Claimants migrating from legacy benefits to Universal Credit are supported with a non-repayable 'run-on' of their legacy benefits for a period of two weeks. Those in financial need may be able to get help from the Discretionary Support Service. This includes the Universal Credit New Claims Grants which may be considered to provide short-term financial assistance to bridge the gap in income for vulnerable households waiting on their first, or second, Universal Credit payment.

These grants are non-repayable and provide crucial support to vulnerable households to help meet their basic essential needs, including housing costs, heat, utilities, toiletries and hygiene products, especially in the current economic climate with rising costs of living.