British Chancellor Philip Hammond has pledged an extra £650 million "for a Northern Ireland Executive" in his Budget speech.
But despite tight finances, the Chancellor bowed to pressure over Universal Credit with a £1.5 billion package to cut the waiting period for payments and to make it easier for claimants to receive an advance.
On Brexit, the Chancellor said negotiations with Brussels were entering a "critical phase" as he promised to meet the challenges facing the economy "head on".
He said early progress in trade talks would be "one of the biggest boosts we can provide to businesses and families".