Discretionary support grants for those impacted by the coronavirus outbreak in Northern Ireland

New statutory rule

New regulations have been issued in relation to discretionary grants for those impacted by the coronavirus outbreak in Northern Ireland.

Already in force having been approved by the Northern Ireland Assembly, the Discretionary Support (Amendment) (COVID-19) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 (SR.No.44/2020) -

• extend the current eligibility criteria to provide for discretionary grants for short-term living expenses to assist claimants specifically affected by COVID-19, where they (or a member of their immediate family) are diagnosed with COVID-19 or are advised to self-isolate because of the virus; and
• exempt such cases from the restriction of only being entitled to one grant in a twelve-month period.

NB - the Department for Communities has tweeted that the online application form for discretionary support grants is now available on nidirect.gov.uk

SR.No.44/2020 is available from legislation.gov.uk