Amendment of start dates for increases to the standard allowance in universal credit and to LHA rates in 2020/2021

​​​​​​​New regulations

New regulations have been issued in relation to the start dates for increases to the standard allowance in universal credit and to local housing allowance (LHA) rates in 2020/2021 introduced in responses to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

In force from 6 April 2020, the Social Security (Coronavirus) (Further Measures) Amendment Regulations 2020 (SI.No.397/2020) amend the Social Security (Coronavirus) (Further Measures) Regulations 2020 (SI.No.371/2020) so that -

• the modified rates of the standard allowance of universal credit specified in SI.No.371/2020 take effect in relation to each award of universal credit in the first assessment period that ends on or after 6 April 2020; and
• determinations of LHA made on 31 March 2020 under article 4 of the Rent Officers (Universal Credit Functions) Order 2013 (SI.No.382/2013) take effect in the first assessment period that ends on or after 6 April 2020, and in any other case, on 6 April 2020.

Corresponding provision in Northern Ireland is made by the Social Security (Coronavirus) (Further Measures) Amendment Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 (SR.No.61/2020)

SI.No.397/2020 and SR.No.61/2020 are available from legislation.gov.uk