Section 160C — Welfare Reform Act 2012: Implementation of increases in universal credit due to attainment of a particular age

Implementation of increases in universal credit due to attainment of a particular age 160C 1 This section applies where—

a an award of universal credit is in force in favour of a person (“ the recipient ”),

and b an element has become applicable, or applicable at a particular rate, because he or some other person has reached a particular age (“the qualifying age”).

2 If, as a result of the recipient or other person reaching the qualifying age, the recipient becomes entitled to an increased amount of universal credit, the amount payable to or for him under the award shall, as from the day on which he becomes so entitled, be that increased amount, without any further decision of the Secretary of State; and the award shall have effect accordingly.

3 Subsection (2) does not apply where, in consequence of the recipient or other person reaching the qualifying age, a question arises in relation to the recipient's entitlement to—

a a benefit under the Contribution and Benefits Act, or b personal independence payment.

4 Subsection (2) does not apply where, in consequence of the recipient or other person reaching the qualifying age, a question arises in relation to the recipient's entitlement to universal credit, other than—

a the question whether the element concerned, or any other element, becomes or ceases to be applicable, or applicable at a particular rate, in the recipient's case, and b the question whether, in consequence, the amount of his universal credit falls to be varied.

5 In this section, “ element ”, in relation to universal credit, means any of the amounts specified in regulations under sections 9 to 12 of the Welfare Reform Act 2012 which are included in the calculation of an award of universal credit.