
1 

(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Social Security (Coronavirus) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 and come into operation on 12th May 2021.
(2) The Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954 shall apply to these Regulations as it applies to an Act of the Assembly.
2 
In regulation 5(2) of the Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit (Coronavirus) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 (expiry) for “14 months” substitute “20 months”.
3 
In regulation 10(2B) of the Social Security (Coronavirus) (Further Measures) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 (expiry) for “12th May 2021” substitute “31st August 2021”.
4 

(1) The Social Security (Coronavirus) (Prisoners) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 are amended in accordance with paragraphs (2) to (6).
(2) In regulation 1 (citation, commencement and interpretation) after paragraph (1) insert—“
(1A) In these regulations “coronavirus disease” means COVID-19 (the official designation of the disease which can be caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)).”.
(3) At the beginning of each of the provisions in paragraph (4) insert “Where the Department is satisfied that it is expedient as a result of coronavirus disease and in such cases as the Department determines”.
(4) For the purposes of paragraph (3) the provisions are—
(a) paragraph (1) of regulation 2;
(b) regulation 3; and
(c) regulation 4.
(5) In regulation 5 (housing benefit – modification of the rule on whether a person is or is not to be treated as occupying a dwelling as their home) after “For the purposes of entitlement to housing benefit,” insert “where the Department is satisfied that it is expedient as a result of coronavirus disease and in such cases as the Department determines,”.
(6) In regulation 6(2) (expiry) for “at the end of the period of 14 months beginning on and including 13th March 2020” substitute “on 31st August 2021”.
Sealed with the Official Seal of the Department for Communities on 20th April 2021
(L.S.)Anne McCleary
A senior officer of the Department for Communities
