Northern Ireland Benefits Statistics Summary at November 2016 is 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 November 2016. 

Key findings include:

• As at November the number of Jobseeker’s Allowance claimants was 31,840. This represents a decrease of 6,170 on a year earlier
• The number of Employment and Support Allowance claimants was 124,590 and the number of Employment and Support Allowance recipients was 118,380. This represents an increase in claimants of 5,140 on a year earlier   
• The number of Incapacity Benefit claimants was 2,190 and the number of Incapacity Benefit recipients was 10
• The number of Severe Disablement Allowance claimants was 1,430 and the number of Severe Disablement Allowance recipients was 1,400
• There were 38,580 claimants of Income Support. This represents a fall of 130 since November 2015
• There were 251,300 people of working age claiming a key benefit. This has fallen by 990 from a year earlier
• The number of State Pension claimants was 308,250, an increase of 750 on a year earlier
• There were 78,580 claimants and 95,580 beneficiaries of Pension Credit. Claimants have fallen by 4,830 since November 2015, mainly as a result of an increase in the age of entitlement and increases in State Pension amounts
• There were 312,980 people over state pension age claiming a key benefit, an increase of 580 since November 2015
• The number of Disability Living Allowance recipients was 213,480. This has risen by 4,720 since November 2015
• The number of Attendance Allowance recipients was 51,570 representing a fall of 390 on a year earlier
• The number of Carer’s Allowance claimants was 72,630. This represents an increase of 2,460 since November 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 November 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 3516 or email press.office@communities-ni.gov.uk.  Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974 383 and your call will be returned

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