The Northern Ireland Benefits Statistics Summary, providing an overview of the main Department for Communities (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 February 2017. Key findings include:
- As at February, the number of Jobseeker’s Allowance claimants was 31,930. This represents a decrease of 6,430 on a year earlier.
- The number of Employment and Support Allowance claimants was 126,660 and the number of Employment and Support Allowance recipients was 118,600. This represents an increase in claimants of 6,040 on a year earlier.
- The number of Incapacity Benefit claimants was 2,090 and there were no recipients of Incapacity Benefit.
- The number of Severe Disablement Allowance claimants was 1,390 and the number of Severe Disablement Allowance recipients was 1,360.
- There were 37,800 claimants of Income Support. This represents a fall of 940 since February 2016.
- There were 251,540 people of working age claiming a key benefit. This has fallen by 2,730 from a year earlier.
- The number of State Pension claimants was 306,950, a decrease of 200 on a year earlier.
- There were 77,030 claimants and 93,690 beneficiaries of Pension Credit. Claimants have fallen by 5,240 since February 2016, mainly as a result of an increase in the age of entitlement and increases in State Pension amounts.
- There were 311,880 people over state pension age claiming a key benefit, a decrease of 170 since February 2016.
- The number of Disability Living Allowance recipients was 209,890. This has fallen by 370 since February 2016.
- The number of Attendance Allowance recipients was 51,130, representing a fall of 350 on a year earlier.
- The number of Carer’s Allowance claimants was 73,020. This represents an increase of 2,740 since February 2016
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 February 2017. Statistics are based on 100% samples of information.
- The publication is produced quarterly, at February, May, August and November each year.
- Previous publications are also available.
- All media queries should be directed to the Department for Communities Press Office on 028 9082 3516 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.
Latest news
- Minister announces funding for Public Realm Scheme in Glengormley 21 August 2024
- Lyons pays tribute to frontline housing staff following hate crime incidents 15 August 2024
- Communities Minister visits iconic Gracehill following UNESCO award 15 August 2024
- Find your link to local heritage during European Heritage Open Days 2024 14 August 2024