The controversial Universal Credit benefit will be introduced in the Falls and Shankill areas of Belfast.
That comes into effect on Wednesday, June 13.
Andersonstown will follow on Wednesday, June 27.
Universal Credit replaces six existing benefits with one and is for people of working age (18 – state pension age).
People in these areas already claiming the existing benefits will not be affected until 2019 at the earliest, unless their circumstances change.
It has already been rolled out across a number of other areas of Northern Ireland.
David Sales, Department for Communities, Universal Credit Programme Director, says it’s being introduced gradually across Northern Ireland from September.
“This means we have been able to closely manage and learn from the rollout to date.”
He says it aims to support people into work and to earn more without losing their benefits, while ensuring those who cannot work continue to receive the financial support they need.
Claims are made online, with digital support available for those who may need it.
“Our local staff have undertaken extensive training in preparation for Universal Credit. As it is claimed online, we have also upgraded the local Jobs and Benefits Offices to provide digital zones with access to PCs and free WiFi,” he says.
Universal Credit replaces Jobseeker’s Allowance (income based), Employment Support Allowance (income-related), Income Support, Housing Benefit (rental), Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credits for people aged over 18 and under State Pension age.
Claimants of these existing benefits will transfer to Universal Credit between July 2019 and March 2023.
Universal Credit will also begin in Banbridge on 27 June. The rollout will continue from September, reaching the remaining areas of Belfast as well as Ballynahinch, Newtownabbey, Newtownards, Carrickfergus, Bangor, Lisburn, Larne, Cookstown, Ballymena and Antrim. It is scheduled to complete in December 2018.
