Sinn Fein councillor Patricia Logue
She was speaking after a number of new measures were outlined by the Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey
Patricia Logue said: “In recent weeks the Universal Credit standard allowance has increased for everyone by £86.67 a month.
“I am pleased Minister Deidre Hargey has said that everyone making a new claim to Universal Credit can also apply for a non-repayable Universal Credit Contingency Fund grant, available through Discretionary Support.
“This can be found through NIDirect – the main citizen facing information portal as well as the Department’s social media channels.
“I would urge anyone finding difficulty access the system to contact any of the excellent advice services in our city.”
She also welcomed the amendments widening the grant eligibility criteria to provide a grant for short term living expenses to assist claimants specifically affected by Covid-19.
Said Cllr Logue: “Its welcome news also that a number of changes have been made to the Discretionary Support scheme to widen the grant eligibility criteria to provide a grant for short term living expenses to assist claimants specifically affected by Covid-19.
“There has also been an increase on the income threshold to £20,405 and changed the debt threshold from £1,000 to £1,500.
“This will help get more emergency financial support to more people on low incomes.”
