DfC Supports and Advice Services

With the current cost of living increases impacting many individuals and households at this time, the Department for Communities has a range of financial supports and advice available which may help.

Make the Call

A quick call, can make a lasting difference. The Make the Call service helps people access all the benefits, supports and services they are entitled to.

Call 0800 232 1271, or request a call back via text by texting ADVICE to 079 8440 5248.

Find out more about Make the Call on nidirect.

Last year, Make the Call helped almost 11,000 people get an additional £50 million in benefits and supports with an average additional £88 per week.

Cost of Living Support Payments

Cost of living payments include one-off payments to those on income related benefits, disabled claimants and pensioners. These payments are intended to provide support to those eligible with the current cost of living increases.

Find out more about Cost of Living support on nidirect.

Benefits

Universal Credit (UC)

This is a payment for people over the age of 18 but under State Pension age who are on a low income or out of work. It includes support for the cost of housing, children and childcare, and financial support for people with disabilities, carers and people too ill to work.

Find out more and apply online for Universal Credit on nidirect.gov.uk.

‘New Style’ Employment and Support Allowance

New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is for people who have an illness or a disability that restricts their ability to work.

Find out more and apply online for New Style Employment and Support Allowance on nidirect.

Carer’s Allowance

Those aged 16 or over who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who is ill or has a disability, may be eligible for Carer’s Allowance.

Find out more and apply for Carer’s Allowance on nidirect.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

PIP is for people who have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability that is expected to last for 12 months or longer. PIP can help towards expenses as a result of the extra living costs arising from having a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability.

Find out more about PIP on nidirect.

Contact the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Centre to begin a claim.

Phone: 0800 012 1573
Textphone: 0800 587 0937

A Video Relay sign language service and information in Easy Read is available.

Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit. You may get it if you are State Pension age or over and need help with personal care because you have a physical or mental disability.

Find out more about Attendance Allowance and download an application form on nidirect.

‘New Style’ Jobseekers Allowance

New Style JSA is for people who have lost their employment, who have paid National Insurance Contributions and who are actively seeking work.

Find out more and apply for New Style Jobseeker's Allowance on nidirect.uk

Pension Credit

Pension Credit provides extra money and access to a wide range of other benefits to help with housing costs, dental and optical treatment and heating bills to help with your living costs. It is for those over State Pension age and on a low income.

Phone 0808 100 6165

Find out more and apply for Pension Credit on nidirect.

Maternity Allowance

Maternity Allowance is usually paid if you do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay. You can claim Maternity Allowance as soon as you have been pregnant for 26 weeks. Payments can start 11 weeks before your baby is due.

Find out more about Maternity Allowance and download an application form on nidirect.

Finance Support Service

The Finance Support Service provides advice and support for those experiencing a financial crisis for whatever reason.

Find out more about Finance Support nidirect.

Phone: 0800 587 2750
Textphone: 0800 587 2751

The services and supports available are:

Universal Credit Contingency fund

This is a short-term living expenses grant to help those who may need some financial support after making a new claim to Universal Credit.

Find out more about UC Contingency Fund and apply online on nidirect.

Short-Term Benefit Advance

This advance can help those that may need money after making a new claim to a benefit other than Universal Credit.

Find out more about Short-Term Benefit Advances and apply online on nidirect.

Discretionary Support

This support can help for short-term living expenses or household items.

Find out more about Discretionary Support and apply online on nidirect.

Social Fund Budgeting Loan

Help for essential household items such as furniture, clothing or footwear.

Find out more about Budgeting Loans and download an application form on nidirect.

Phone: 0800 0224 250

Social Fund Sure Start Maternity Grant

Help towards the cost of maternity and baby items.

Find out more about Maternity Grants and download an application form on nidirect.

Phone: 0800 0224 250

Employment and Employability

JobApplyNI

JobApplyNI.com can help you find work if you are unemployed or looking for some additional income. Search from hundreds of opportunities across a wide range of sectors.

Find out more on JobApplyNI.com.

Adviser Discretion Fund

The Adviser Descretion Fund (ADF) can help if you are unemployed and facing financial barriers to starting or returning to work, for example with childcare costs. It can also help if you're in employment or self-employment but experiencing financial difficulties.

Find out more about the Adviser Discretion Fund on nidirect.

Work Experience Programme

If you're unemployed, the Work Experience Programme can help you develop your employability skills and gain the experience you need to get a job.

Find out more about the Work Experience Programme on nidirect.

Help from your local Jobs and Benefits office

There are 35 Jobs and Benefits offices located throughout Northern Ireland. Jobs and Benefits offices provide advice and information on a range of services and local supports including jobs, benefit eligibility and benefit application, preparation for work and access to training.

Find out more on nidirect.