The Northern Ireland Benefits Statistics Summary, providing an overview of the main DfC administered benefits, was published by the Department for Communities today.
![](https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/styles/inline-expandable/public/images/communities/news/dfc-data-charts.jpg?itok=mWM996ZW×tamp=1480586012)
Unless stated otherwise, the figures are at August 2016. Key findings include:
- As at August, the number of Jobseeker’s Allowance claimants was 34,620. This represents a decrease of 6,550 on a year earlier.
- The number of Employment and Support Allowance claimants was 123,500 and the number of Employment and Support Allowance recipients was 117,850. This represents an increase in claimants of 4,600 on a year earlier.
- The number of Incapacity Benefit claimants was 2,290 and the number of Incapacity Benefit recipients was 10.
- The number of Severe Disablement Allowance claimants was 1,460 and the number of Severe Disablement Allowance recipients was 1,420.
- There were 38,860 claimants of Income Support. This represents a fall of 300 since August 2015.
- There were 254,290 people of working age claiming a key benefit. This has fallen by 890 from a year earlier.
- The number of State Pension claimants was 308,050, an increase of 1,250 on a year earlier.
- There were 79,620 claimants and 96,960 beneficiaries of Pension Credit. Claimants have fallen by 4,400 since August 2015, mainly as a result of an increase in the age of entitlement and increases in State Pension amounts.
- There were 312,640 people over state pension age claiming a key benefit, an increase of 1,210 since August 2015.
- The number of Disability Living Allowance recipients was 214,260. This has risen by 7,280 since August 2015.
- The number of Attendance Allowance recipients was 51,520, representing a fall of 840 on a year earlier.
- The number of Carer’s Allowance claimants was 72,150. This represents an increase of 2,280 since August 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 August / September 2016. Statistics are based on 100% samples of information
- The publication is produced quarterly, at February, May, August and November each year
- Previous publications are available from the Department’s website
- All media queries should be directed to the Department for Communities Press Office on 028 9082 3512 or email press.office@communities-ni.gov.uk. Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974383 and your call will be returned.
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