COVID-19 causes tenfold increase in people claiming for Universal Credit

By Peter Moor.

The number of people claiming for Universal Credit has increased tenfold since the middle of March because of the impact of Coronavirus.

126,000 adults in Northern Ireland are now on universal credit. compared to 70,000 people at the beginning of March.

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey today published a range of Management Information highlighting the impact the Covid-19 crisis has had on the number of claims to Universal Credit (UC).

Commenting on the figures, Minster Hargey said: “The number of claims to Universal Credit during this crisis has been unprecedented and demonstrate the scale of the issues people are facing surrounding work.

"From the start of this crisis, my priority has been to ensure that the most vulnerable and those most in need across our society receive all the support and financial help that is available to them.

"The huge increase in claims to UC since the beginning of this crisis show the scale of job losses here, nowhere has been left untouched. This has had a terrible impact on people’s lives.”

The Minister continued: “Despite these unprecedented numbers, my Department was able to make 99.1% of all payments due over that period on time. I am very proud of the work my staff are doing and would like to thank them again for the way they have responded to this increase in work, at a time when they themselves have had to adjust to the necessary measures we have introduced to ensure they are protected as key workers."

Concluding the Minister said: “My Department will continue to do all it can to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic and I remain determined to ensure that those most affected continue to receive all the support they are entitled to.”  

Universal Credit is a benefit paid to those who are unemployed or on low income to cover living costs.

The coronavirus infection has seen a huge escalation in uptake as firms lay off workers during the lockdown.

The Government's furlough scheme is designed to limit job losses by paying 80% of workers' wages until the end of June.

Fears of another wave of job losses have been raised unless there is continued support from Government as firms get back on their feet when they are allowed to reopen.

Stormont political and medical chiefs have said easing of restrictions will be gradual.