Northern Ireland Benefits Statistics Summary at February 2017 is published

Date published: 31 May 2017

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.

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: 

  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 February 2017. 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 also available.
  5. 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.

Share this page

Back to top