Make the Call
This is a DHSS service which aims to make sure you're getting all the benefits, services and supports you're entitled to. They can advise on the full range of benefits, for both working age and pensioners. They can also advise on disability benefits, including disability living allowance, personal independence payments and attendance allowance. You can “make the call” on freephone 0800 232 1271
Visit their website for more information
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a new benefit system which has replaced the following existing benefits for those of working age (note, there is currently no published plan to extend it to those who are of State Retirement Pension age)
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Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Income Support
Working Tax Credit
Child Tax Credit
Housing Benefit (rental)
It has being now been fully introduced for new claims across Northern Ireland & you will no longer be able to make a new claim to the old benefits, and you will need to claim Universal Credit instead.
If your circumstances change you may move to Universal Credit at that time and your existing benefits will stop.
If your circumstances do not change, you will eventually move to Universal Credit this was planned to be between July 2019 and March 2023, but the dates have slipped. The Department for Communities will contact you when it is time to move to Universal Credit.
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/universal-credit
Pension Credit
The government have set figures (£182.60 for a single pensioner, and £278.70 for a couple) and if your state pension added to any other income you have (works pension etc) comes to less than that figure you are entitled to a top up which is paid by Pension Credit. As Pension Credit is classed as a means tested benefit it will entitle you to other things like free dental treatment, free eye tests and help towards paying for glasses etc. So even if you are only slightly below the limit, it is still worthwhile claiming.
It can be claimed online by using the following link
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/apply-pension-credit-online
Or if you prefer you can call them on 0808 100 6165 - Someone else can ring on your behalf, but you will need to be there with them for security reasons. You will need to know your National Insurance number.
Entitled to
Provides a free and (if you wish) anonymous check up of all benefits
Advice NI
Advice NI provide free help and advice on tax and benefit issues as well as debt problems.
Age NI
Age NI is the leading charity for older people in Northern Ireland. Their vision is a world where everyone can love later life. Their mission is to help people enjoy a better later life. They offer day, residential & domiciliary care as well as advice and other services.
Centenarian Bounty
The Centenarian Bounty is awarded to people living in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland on their 100th birthday. This is paid by the Republic of Ireland's government.
Since 2006, this has been extended to people born in Northern Ireland or the RoI who have reached 100 but are living outside the island of Ireland.
Once your application had been checked and processed, you will receive €2,540 (approx. £2,000) and a congratulatory letter from the Irish President on your 100th birthday. You will also get a commemorative coin and a congratulatory letter on your 101st and subsequent birthdays.
How to apply
The applicant, or applicant's representative, should download and complete the Centenarian Bounty form (PDF) and send to following address:
Centenarian Bounty
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
80 St Stephen’s Green
Dublin 2
Once it has been verified that the person is eligible, the award will be made to them.
For further information visit citizensinformation.ie or telephone 00 353 1478 0822 or 00 353 1408 2000.
