Northern Ireland Benefits Statistics Summary at May 2015 is published

The Northern Ireland Benefits Statistics Summary, providing an overview of the main Social Security Agency benefits, was published by the Department for Social Development today.

Key findings include:

• The number of Jobseeker’s Allowance claimants was 41,150. This represents a decrease of 10,640 since May 2014
• The number of Employment and Support Allowance claimants was 118,140 and the number of Employment and Support Allowance recipients was 113,670. This represents an increase in claimants of 14,280 on a year earlier. Some of this is as a result of the migration of cases from Severe Disability Allowance and Incapacity Benefit
• The number of Incapacity Benefit claimants was 3,040 and the number of Incapacity Benefit recipients was 50
• The number of Severe Disablement Allowance claimants was 1,690 and the number of Severe Disablement Allowance recipients was 1,630
• There were 39,020 claimants of Income Support. This represents a fall of 5,030 since May 2014, mainly as a result of most claimants who were claiming on the grounds of incapacity moving to Employment and Support Allowance
• There were 254,080 people of working age claiming a key benefit. This has fallen by 2,550 on a year earlier
• The number of State Pension claimants was 306,370 an increase of 1,700 on a year earlier
• There were 84,730 claimants and 103,830 beneficiaries of Pension Credit. Claimants have fallen by 4,130 since May 2014, mainly as a result of an increase in the age of entitlement and increases in State Pension amounts
• There were 310,950 people over state pension age claiming a key benefit, an increase of 1,190 since May 2014
• The number of Disability Living Allowance recipients was 205,610. This has risen by 7,300 since May 2014
• The number of Attendance Allowance recipients was 52,580 representing a fall of 630 on a year earlier
• The number of Carer’s Allowance claimants was 69,170. This represents an increase of 3,300 since May 2014

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 Social Security Agency
2. The summary is based on data at May 2015. 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 DSD website
5. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Social Development Press Office on 028 9082 9497 or email press.office@dsdni.gov.uk. Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned

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