Northern Ireland Benefits Statistics Summary at November 2015 is published

Date published: 24 February 2016

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.

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Unless stated otherwise, the figures are at November 2015. Key findings include:

  • The number of Jobseeker’s Allowance claimants was 38,010. This represents a decrease of 10,380 since November 2014
  • The number of Employment and Support Allowance claimants was 119,450 and the number of Employment and Support Allowance recipients was 114,370. This represents an increase in claimants of 5,650 on a year earlier
  • At December 2015 the number of Incapacity Benefit claimants was 2,580 and the number of Incapacity Benefit recipients was 10
  • At December 2015 the number of Severe Disablement Allowance claimants was 1,570 and the number of Severe Disablement Allowance recipients was 1,530
  • There were 38,710 claimants of Income Support. This represents a fall of 220 since November 2014
  • There were 252,290 people of working age claiming a key benefit. This has fallen by 4,430 from a year earlier
  • At December 2015 the number of State Pension claimants was 307,500 an increase of 1,430 on a year earlier
  • There were 83,410 claimants and 102,100 beneficiaries of Pension Credit. Claimants have fallen by 4,310 since November 2014, mainly as a result of an increase in the age of entitlement and increases in State Pension amounts
  • There were 312,400 people over state pension age claiming a key benefit, an increase of 1,360 since November 2014
  • The number of Disability Living Allowance recipients was 208,760. This has risen by 6,550 since November 2014
  • The number of Attendance Allowance recipients was 51,960 representing a fall of 1,070 on a year earlier
  • The number of Carer’s Allowance claimants was 70,170. This represents an increase of 2,630 since November 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 November/December 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 Benefit Statistics publications are available
  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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