The Housing Benefit and Universal Credit (Sanctuary Schemes) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 - screening

The Housing Benefit and Universal Credit (Sanctuary Schemes) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021(S.R. 2021 No. 248) introduce an exception for domestic abuse victims whose home has been adapted under a sanctuary scheme, so that the social sector size criteria restriction is not applied to their claim. As a result those who qualify for the exception will not have a deduction applied to their housing support if they are under-occupying their home.

A Sanctuary Scheme helps victims of domestic and sexual violence and abuse remain in their own home after it has been made safe.