Summary
The Department for Communities is asking people for their views on proposed changes to its Discretionary Support scheme which provides support to people facing extreme, exceptional or crisis situations.
The proposed changes aim to better target support to the most vulnerable low-income households, improve service delivery by more directly meeting individual needs, and reduce ambiguity around eligibility.
Documents
Consultation description
This consultation seeks views from individuals, representative organisations and other stakeholders on the proposed changes to the Discretionary Support Scheme.
Responses to the consultation are due by 2 December 2026.
Information in sign language
A signed summary about the consultation on changes to the Discretionary Support scheme is available in British and Irish Sign Language.
Watch the summary in British Sign Language (BSL)
Watch the summary in Irish Sign Language (ISL)
Ways to respond
3rd Floor, Causeway Exchange
1-7 Bedford Street
Belfast
BT2 7EG