News and Media

New cost of living payment dates announced

The Department has announced that the second £300 low income (means-tested) Cost of Living Payment will be paid between 31 October and 19 November 2023.

MS Society calls for urgent Government review of the PIP process

The MS Society has released new figures which reveal the worrying effect that the PIP process has on the overall mental and physical health of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), costing people their time, their health and their independence.

Seven days to sidestep homelessness for refugees: major concern at new Home Office policy

The Home Office policy relating to 7-day support cessations for new refugees is a major cause for concern.

Law Centre NI challenge to restore child benefit to struggling families

Law Centre NI has been granted permission by the High Court in Northern Ireland to challenge HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on how it applies the rules on which a parent is awarded child benefit.

Law Centre discusses employment law with delegation from Turks and Caicos Islands

The Law Centre met with a delegation from the Turks and Caicos Islands, including its President of the Labour Tribunal, Mary Doreen Quelch-Missick, and Pascal Bacchus from the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services.

Cliff Edge response: Discretionary Support

Cliff Edge has responded to the consultation on changes to Discretionary Support, drawing on submissions from the Law Centre, Housing Rights, the Women's Support Network and Ulster University School of Law.

How to pay the bills and rent?

As advisers, how best can you help migrants who are subject to the no recourse to public funds rule and perhaps facing destitution or homelessness? There may be options.

Illegal Migration Act: What is in force?

This brief guide aims to help asylum seekers and refugee support organisations understand which parts of the legislation have been implemented.

Legal Assistant recruitment opportunity

We are currently recruiting a Legal Assistant to join our team.

Most vulnerable at risk of homelessness

Law Centre NI is very concerned about changes to the Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) scheme which will leave some people living in the private rented sector in Northern Ireland at increased risk of poverty and homelessness.

Asylum claims being treated as withdrawn

A recent change in law means that the Home Office can more easily ‘conclude’ asylum seekers by treating them as withdrawn. This would leave the individual at immediate risk of homelessness and destitution as well as risk of removal.

Our response to changes to Discretionary Support

Law Centre NI has serious concerns that the changes, already in place, will not only have a distressing impact, but will also potentially serve to further compound the existing inequalities faced by certain groups of people.