Analytics Division provides statistics on social security benefits in Northern Ireland. Statistics on all main benefits are provided in the pages below.

Benefit Cap statistics

The Benefit Cap is a limit on the total amount of benefit that working-age people can receive. From 31 May 2016, the amount a household could receive in benefit income was limited to £26,000 per annum. On 7 November 2016, this threshold was lowered to £20,000 per annum. On 1 April 2023 this was increased to £22.020 per annum.

Benefits statistics summary

The Benefits Statistics Summary provides an up-to-date, concise overview of the main benefits administered by the Department. It is designated as a National Statistic and is produced quarterly.

Pension Credit statistics

The Pension Credit: Estimates of Benefit Take-up report is intended to provide an estimate of the take-up of Pension Credit within the entitled population. Each report has been produced using data for a given financial year, and provides estimates of Pension Credit take-up for various demographic groups.

Personal Independence Payment statistics

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a new benefit replacing Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for people aged between 16 to 64 years. PIP and DLA cannot be claimed at the same time.

Universal Credit statistics

Universal Credit is a new payment to help support households that are out of work or are on a low income. Universal Credit was introduced in Northern Ireland on a phased geographical basis from 27 September 2017.

Migrant Access to Benefits

The Migrant Access to Benefit(s) statistical publication produced by the Department, contains analysis on non-UK nationals living in Northern Ireland, with specific focus on this groups’ current and historical interaction with the benefit system.

Other benefit related publications/research

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Access to information

How to request information from the Department for Communities including Freedom of Information (FOI) and the use of our Publication Scheme. You may also request your own personal information, via a Right of Access Request.

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