(This note is not part of the Regulations.)
Regulation 2 of these Regulations amend the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1987 to –
extend the period for claiming a bereavement payment from 3 to 12 months; and
provide for a winter fuel payment out of the social fund to be paid, alternatively, to the partner of the person entitled despite the partner being aged under 60 where partner is in receipt of income support or an income-based jobseeker’s allowance.
Regulation 3 makes a consequential amendment to the Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000.
Regulation 4 provides for the extended period for claiming a bereavement payment to apply only in respect of deaths occurring on or after 1st April 2003.
These Regulations make in relation to Northern Ireland only provision corresponding to provision contained in Regulations made by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in relation to Great Britain and accordingly, by virtue of section 149(3) of, and paragraph 10 of Schedule 5 to, the Social Security Administration (Northern Ireland) Act 1992, are not subject to the requirement of section 149(2) of that Act for prior reference to the Social Security Advisory Committee.
These Regulations do not impose a charge on business.