Support for low income families on universal credits

The Finance Support Service supports people who live in Northern Ireland and are in need of short term financial assistance.

Universal Credit Contingency Fund Short Term Living Expenses Grant

A Universal Credit Contingency Fund payment is a non-repayable grant that may be available to people are normally within the first Universal Credit assessment period following a new application to Universal Credit and are continuing to experience financial difficulties, subject to them meeting certain eligibility criteria.  

Note: Only one grant for Universal Credit Contingency Fund Living Expenses or Discretionary Support Living Expenses can be paid in any 12-month period.

Universal Credit Contingency Fund short-term living expenses (for example a short term supply of groceries) will normally be payable from the date of application to the day before the person’s next income is due to be received (for example the next benefit payment). Decision Makers have the discretion to make awards for longer periods if the person’s next income would not be considered sufficient to meet their need for living expenses.

It is important to note that the calculation of all short-term living expenses awards are completed in the same way regardless of the type.

To help alleviate the financial difficulties people face during the current COVID-19 (Coronavirus) public health crisis, the amount payable for short term living expenses has been increased to the full daily Income Support personal allowance for a person, their partner, and any dependent children. There is no limit on the number children that can be included in an award.

Eligibility 

• you must have an extreme, exceptional or crisis situation which places you or your immediate family’s health, safety or wellbeing at significant risk
• you must live in Northern Ireland
• help can only be provided within Northern Ireland, help cannot be provided if your crisis occurs anywhere else
• you must be over 18 years old or at least 16 years old if you do not have any parental support
• your annual income, including the income of your partner, must not be above the national living wage of £20,405. This is based on the National Living Wage for over 25 year olds (currently £8.72 per hour) over a 45-hour week and is automatically adjusted whenever this rate increases.  

How to apply for a Universal Credit Contingency Fund Living Expenses Grant from the Finance Support Service

You will need the following information:

• your National Insurance number
• rent or mortgage information
• details of your income
• details of your savings
• your bank account details

Apply to the Finance Support Service.

How is it paid

Payments will be paid into your nominated bank account.