29 November 2007 - Statistical press release Northern Ireland client group analysis

It contains information on people of working age, their children and people of pensionable age receiving at least one key benefit at February 2004 to February 2007. Some of the main findings include:

• The proportion of the working age population claiming at least one key benefit was 20.1pc in Northern Ireland compared to 13.3pc in Great Britain in February 2007
• 216,500 (20pc) people of working age were claiming at least one key benefit in February 2007, compared to 225,920 (21pc) in February 2004
• The number of unemployed claimants has fallen from 32,860 in February 2004 to 26,080 in February 2007. The number of lone parent claimants has also fallen over this period (from 26,820 in February 2004 to 25,280 in February 2007)
• People of working age claiming sickness and/or disability benefits made up 71pc of the overall total in February 2007. Unemployed claimants made up 12pc of the overall total
• The number of claimants with children has fallen from 71,580 in February 2004 to 66,440 in February 2007
• The number of children/young dependants of claimants has fallen from 139,780 in February 2004 to 129,100 in February 2007
• 280,124 (99pc) people over state pension age were claiming at least one key benefit in February 2007 compared to 265,993 (97pc) in February 2004
• People over state pension age receiving Retirement Pension but not Pension Credit/Income Support made up 68% of the overall total in February 2007. The second largest group was Retirement Pension plus Pension Credit/Income Support claimants who made up 27% of the overall total

Notes to Editors:

1. The key benefits for persons of working age and their children are Jobseeker’s Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance, Disability Living Allowance and Income Support. Pension Credit for males aged 60 – 64 is also included.

2. The key benefits for persons of pensionable age are Attendance Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Pension Credit, Retirement Pension and Widow’s Benefit. Pension Credit replaced Income Support for persons aged 60 and over, from October 2003.

3. These analyses are based on data collected through the administration of the individual key benefits, which are available to persons of working age and persons over state pension age with the main exception of Bereavement Benefits and Housing Benefit.

4. The next publication will be released online on 22 February 2008. It will be available from Social Welfare Statistics and Consultancy Branch’s website – www.dsdni.gov.uk/index/stats_and_research.htm.

5. Copies of the report can be obtained from the Department’s website at www.dsdni.gov.uk/index/publications/client_group_analysis.htm or

6. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.