Universal Credit, PIP, Attendance Allowance, Carer's Allowance and Pension Credit, and Make the Call.
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Check What I Can Claim →People in Northern Ireland who want to know which benefits they may be able to claim, and who can claim each one. Most benefits here are run by the Department for Communities.
Universal Credit is for people over 18 but under State Pension age on a low income or out of work. It includes support for housing, children and childcare, and for people with disabilities, carers and people too ill to work. New Style Employment and Support Allowance is for people whose illness or disability restricts their ability to work. This guide does not give the Northern Ireland Universal Credit amounts or savings limits: ask Make the Call or Advice NI.
PIP: you can get it if you are 16 or over and under State Pension age, you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability, you have difficulties doing certain everyday tasks or getting around, and you have had these difficulties for at least three months and expect them to last for at least another nine months. You must live in Northern Ireland and usually have lived in Northern Ireland, Great Britain, the Isle of Man, Jersey or Guernsey for two of the last three years. You can get PIP even if you are working, have savings or get most other benefits.
Attendance Allowance: a tax-free benefit you may get if you are State Pension age or over and need help with personal care because of a physical or mental disability.
Carer's Allowance: if you are 16 or over and spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who is ill or has a disability. The person you care for must get certain benefits, and there are earnings rules. You do not have to be related to them or live with them. If the person has not been awarded a qualifying benefit yet, you can claim Carer's Allowance within three months of when it is awarded; if you claim late you may lose money.
Pension Credit gives extra money to help with living costs if you are over State Pension age and on a low income. You can be eligible even if you have a pension or savings or own your home.
Attendance Allowance: see above. PIP is for people under State Pension age.
Child Benefit is paid by HM Revenue and Customs across the UK, for people responsible for bringing up a child under 16, or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training.
Make the Call (Department for Communities): 0800 232 1271. Checks what benefits, supports and services you are entitled to.
Disability and Carers Service (Carer's Allowance, Disability Living Allowance): 0800 587 0912.
PIP Centre (new claims): 0800 012 1573.
Advice NI: 0800 915 4604
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