It is the first place to go if money runs out before your next payment, or something essential breaks and you have no way to replace it.
Quick facts
- What you can get
- Interest-free loan or grant
- Income limit
- £29,741.40 a year after deductions
- In 12 months
- Up to 3 loans, 1 living expenses grant, 1 household items grant
- Loan blocked if
- Household government debt is £1,500 or more
- Age
- 18+, or 16+ without parental support
- Review
- Ask within 28 days
What it can help with
- Short-term living expenses, such as food
- Buying, repairing or replacing basic household items, such as a cooker
- Travel costs, in limited circumstances
- Rent you have to pay in advance to a landlord other than the Housing Executive
Help with living expenses normally covers you from the day you apply until the day before your next benefit or wage is due.
Who can get it — the full rules
You must be in an extreme or exceptional situation, or a crisis that puts your or your family's health, safety or well-being at significant risk. Also:
- You live in Northern Ireland, and the crisis arose here
- You are over 18, or at least 16 with no parental support
- Your and your partner's total yearly income after deductions is not more than £29,741.40
Savings you or your partner have may be taken into account.
The limits
In any 12 months you can get up to three loans, one grant to help you or your family live independently, and one grant for living expenses if you could not repay a loan.
"if you and your partner (if you have one) have total government debt of £1,500 or more, you will not be able to get a Discretionary Support loan". That debt includes Social Fund loans, earlier Discretionary Support loans and Universal Credit advances.
The same item cannot be funded twice in 24 months, except after a disaster.
How to apply, and repaying
Apply to the Finance Support Service. Have your National Insurance number, rent or mortgage details, income, savings and bank details ready. Money is paid into your account.
Loans are taken back from Pension Credit or income-related ESA if you get them. On Universal Credit, or no benefit, you repay by Direct Debit.
"If you are unhappy with Finance Support’s decision on your application, you can ask for a review within 28 days of the decision." After that, the independent Discretionary Support Commissioner can look at it again.
Common questions
What is Discretionary Support in Northern Ireland?
Help in a crisis from the Department for Communities: an interest-free loan or a grant you do not repay, for short-term living expenses or basic household items.
What is the income limit for Discretionary Support?
Your and your partner's total annual income after deductions must not be more than £29,741.40. Some income is not counted.
Do I need to be on benefits to get Discretionary Support?
No. The test is a crisis, living in Northern Ireland and the income limit.
How many Discretionary Support loans can I get?
Up to three loans, one grant for independent living and one grant for living expenses in any 12-month period, except in a disaster.
Why was I refused a Discretionary Support loan?
One reason: if you and your partner have total government debt of £1,500 or more, you cannot get a loan.
How do I challenge a Discretionary Support decision?
Ask Finance Support for a review within 28 days. If you disagree with the review, you can ask the Discretionary Support Commissioner.