Allowing electronic claims for budgeting loans in Northern Ireland

New statutory rule

New legislation has been issued in relation to claims for budgeting loans in Northern Ireland.

In force from 31 July 2023, the Social Security (Budgeting Loans) (Electronic Communications) (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023 (SR.No.96/2023) amends the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1987 to permit the use of an electronic claim form and electronic communications in connection with a claim for a budgeting loan.

The explanatory memorandum for the Order advises that –

'The changes being made in respect of electronic claims for budgeting loans are intended to put in place powers to allow claimants to both make electronic claims as well as communicate electronically in respect of those claims. The introduction of these changes would be in addition to the current clerical methods for budgeting loans and will not detract from the rigorous scrutiny of evidence throughout the claims process.'

SR.No.96/2023 is available from legislation.gov.uk