How we can help Advice Universal Credit Universal Credit is being introduced for new claims on a phased geographical basis across Northern Ireland from September 2017 to December 2018. If you currently receive one of the benefits that is being replaced by Universal Credit you do not need to do anything until you are contacted. Find out when it will be introduced in your areaUniversal Credit will replace the following benefits: the means tested part of Jobseeker’s Allowance the means tested part of Employment and Support Allowance Income Support Child Tax Credits Working Tax Credits Housing Benefit Further Information Find out more on NI Direct