The Northern Ireland Benefits Statistics Summary, providing an overview of the main DfC administered benefits, was published by the Department for Communities today.
Unless stated otherwise, the figures are at May 2016. Key findings include:
- The number of Jobseeker’s Allowance claimants was 35,560. This represents a decrease of 5,590 since May 2015.
- The number of Employment and Support Allowance claimants was 121,720 and the number of Employment and Support Allowance recipients was 116,680. This represents an increase in claimants of 3,580 on a year earlier.
- The number of Incapacity Benefit claimants was 2,380 and the number of Incapacity Benefit recipients was 10.
- The number of Severe Disablement Allowance claimants was 1,500 and the number of Severe Disablement Allowance recipients was 1,460.
- There were 38,640 claimants of Income Support. This represents a fall of 380 since May 2015.
- There were 252,880 people of working age claiming a key benefit. This has fallen by 1,200 from a year earlier.
- The number of State Pension claimants was 307,550, an increase of 1,180 on a year earlier.
- There were 80,580 claimants and 98,230 beneficiaries of Pension Credit. Claimants have fallen by 4,150 since May 2015, mainly as a result of an increase in the age of entitlement and increases in State Pension amounts.
- There were 312,100 people over state pension age claiming a key benefit, an increase of 1,150 since May 2015.
- The number of Disability Living Allowance recipients was 212,210. This has risen by 6,600 since May 2015.
- The number of Attendance Allowance recipients was 51,580 representing a fall of 1,000 on a year earlier.
- The number of Carer’s Allowance claimants was 71,220. This represents an increase of 2,050 since May 2015.
Notes to editors:
- The Northern Ireland Benefits Statistics Summary provides an up to date and concise overview of the main benefits administered by the Department for Communities
- The summary is based on data at May 2016. Statistics are based on 100% samples of information
- The publication is produced quarterly, at February, May, August and November each year
- Previous Benefits Statistics Summary publications are available
- All media queries should be directed to the Department for Communities Press Office on 028 9082 9497 or email press.office@communities-ni.gov.uk. Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.