The Social Security (Northern Ireland) Order 1990

Income support: implementation of increases due to attainment of particular ages

13.  After Article 65A of the 1986 Order (effect of alteration in component rates of income support) insert the following Article—

“Implementation of increases in income support due to attainment of particular ages

65B.— (1) This Article applies where—

(a) an award of income support is in force in favour of a person (“the recipient”); and

(b) there is a component which becomes applicable, or applicable at a particular rate, in his case if he or some other person attains a particular age.

(2) If, in a case where this Article applies, the recipient or other person attains the particular age referred to in sub-paragraph (b) of paragraph (1) and, in consequence,—

(a) the component in question becomes applicable, or applicable at a particular rate, in the recipient’s case (whether or not some other component ceases, for the same reason, to be applicable, or applicable at a particular rate, in his case), and

(b) after taking account of any such cessation, the recipient becomes entitled to an increased amount of income support,

then, except as provided by paragraph (3), as from the day on which he becomes so entitled, the amount of income support payable to or for him under the award shall be that increased amount, without any further decision of an adjudication officer, and the award shall have effect accordingly.

(3) Paragraph (2) does not apply in any case where, in consequence of the recipient or other person attaining the age in question, some question arises in relation to the recipient’s entitlement to any benefit under the benefit Acts, other than—

(a) the question whether the component concerned, or any other component, becomes or ceases to be applicable, or applicable at a particular rate, in his case; and

(b) the question whether, in consequence, the amount of his income support falls to be varied.

(4) In this Article “component”, in relation to a person and his income support, means any of the sums specified in regulations under Article 23(1).”.