These Regulations prescribe the categories of cases where section 6 (exclusion from benefits) of the Children (Leaving Care) Act (Northern Ireland) 2002 (c. 11) does not apply.

Care leavers aged 16/17 who are fully supported by the responsible authority with maintenance and accommodation are not entitled to income support or income-based jobseeker’s allowance. Regulation 2 sets out the exceptions where section 6 (exclusion from benefits) does not apply. These exceptions include care leavers aged 16/17 who are also lone parents or sick or disabled and who will continue to have access to income support and income-based jobseeker’s allowance.

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 (c. 8), 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.