Publications

The Department for Communities (DfC) presents its Social Fund Account which has been prepared in accordance with a direction issued by the Department of Finance (DoF) in pursuance of section 146(4) of the Social Security Administration (NI) Act 1992.

This document presents the findings of the first five stages of the process and the (stage 6) decisions taken by the Department for Communities with regards to Changes to the Discretionary Support Scheme. 

In accordance with section 146(5) and (6) of the Social Security Administration (Northern Ireland) Act 1992, the Department is required to prepare an annual report on the operation of the Social Fund and to lay the report before the Assembly.

Discretionary Support is administered by the Department for Communities (the Department). The Welfare Reform (Northern Ireland) Order 2015 makes provision for the Department to make payments by way of grant or loan to prescribed persons.

This report focuses on two main areas which are the level of decision-making accuracy in social security benefits and the level of financial accuracy.

The introduction of this fund for Northern Ireland on 1 June 2022 was a commitment set out in the New Decade, New Approach deal, published in January 2020.

In accordance with section 146(5) and (6) of the Social Security Administration (Northern Ireland) Act 1992, the Department is required to prepare an annual report on the operation of the Social Fund and to lay the report before the Assembly.

This report focuses on two main areas which are the level of decision-making accuracy in social security benefits and the level of financial accuracy.

The Department for Communities (DfC) presents its Social Fund Account which has been prepared in accordance with a direction issued by the Department of Finance (DoF) in pursuance of section 146(4) of the Social Security Administration (NI) Act 1992.

Discretionary Support is administered by the Department for Communities (the Department). The Welfare Reform (Northern Ireland) Order 2015 makes provision for the Department to make payments by way of grant or loan to prescribed persons.

The development of an Equally Safe Strategy to End Violence against Women and Girls is an Executive priority.

In accordance with section 146(5) and (6) of the Social Security Administration (Northern Ireland) Act 1992, the Department is required to prepare an annual report on the operation of the Social Fund and to lay the report before the Assembly.

This report focuses on two main areas; the level of decision making accuracy in social security benefits and the level of financial accuracy.

The Department for Communities (DfC) presents its Social Fund Account which has been prepared in accordance with a direction issued by the Department of Finance (DoF) in pursuance of section 146(4) of the Social Security Administration (NI) Act 1992.

Discretionary Support is administered by the Department for Communities (the Department). The Welfare Reform (Northern Ireland) Order 2015 makes provision for the Department to make payments by way of grant or loan to prescribed persons.

This annual report on the operation of the Social Fund, was laid before the Northern Ireland Assembly in accordance with section 146(5) and (6) of the Social Security Administration (Northern Ireland) Act 1992.