Northern Ireland Benefits Statistics Summary at August 2016 published

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 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: 

1. The Northern Ireland Benefits Statistics Summary provides an up to date and concise overview of the main benefits administered by the Department for Communities
2. The summary is based on data at August / September 2016. Statistics are based on 100% samples of information
3. The publication is produced quarterly, at February, May, August and November each year
4. Previous publications are available from the Department’s website 
5. 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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