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07/08/2018
SDLP Hits Out Over Universal Credit
The SDLP have claimed that working families are "losing out on hundreds of pounds of entitlement to Universal Credit over the course of the year because of the date their pay day falls".
Deputy Leader Nichola Mallon made the comments after Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) raised concerns over the issue.
She said: "Those paid every two weeks or paid twice in one calendar month are being penalised. Not only does this leave claimants financially worse off, but it can also affect health care entitlements and automatically triggers the benefit cap, despite the fact they are working.
"This harsh reality facing working families couldn't be further from the government's promise that 'Universal Credit will help make sure you are better off in work than on benefits'.
"My colleague Patsy McGlone and I have raised this issue with the Department for Communities a number of times. Still no action has been taken to resolve this."
(CD)
Deputy Leader Nichola Mallon made the comments after Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) raised concerns over the issue.
She said: "Those paid every two weeks or paid twice in one calendar month are being penalised. Not only does this leave claimants financially worse off, but it can also affect health care entitlements and automatically triggers the benefit cap, despite the fact they are working.
"This harsh reality facing working families couldn't be further from the government's promise that 'Universal Credit will help make sure you are better off in work than on benefits'.
"My colleague Patsy McGlone and I have raised this issue with the Department for Communities a number of times. Still no action has been taken to resolve this."
(CD)
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