The short answerThe Independent Living Fund (ILF) pays disabled people in Northern Ireland to live in the community rather than residential care. It is closed to new applicants. If you already get it, it continues while you still meet the conditions.
This page is for people already on the ILF, and for families checking what a relative gets.
Quick facts
- New claims
- Closed
- Maximum
- £1,000 a week (applied before April 1993) or £600
- Savings
- Under £39,950
- Social services support
- At least £340 a week
- Reviewed
- At least every two years
What you must keep meeting
- You normally live in Northern Ireland, and have lived here for at least 26 of the last 52 weeks
- You get social services support worth at least £340 a week or £17,680 a year
- You get the highest care rate of DLA, the highest rate of Attendance Allowance, the daily living part of PIP, or Armed Forces Independence Payment
- You have less than £39,950 in savings or capital
- You live in the community rather than in residential care
Your award is reviewed at least once every two years.
How much it pays
The amount depends on the care you need, its cost, and how much of your own income you are expected to contribute.
If you applied before April 1993, the maximum is £1,000 a week. If you applied after April 1993, it is £600 a week.
Using the money
You can use it to employ a carer or personal assistant, or to pay a care agency for personal care and help at home. Reviews check your records, so many people keep a separate account for ILF money.
Common questions
Can I apply for the Independent Living Fund in Northern Ireland?
No. It is closed to new applicants. Existing awards continue while you meet the conditions.
What is the savings limit for the ILF?
Less than £39,950 in savings or capital.
How often is the ILF reviewed?
At least once every two years.
Source: nidirect: Independent Living Fund, read 11 October 2026. Every figure on this page is quoted from there. If it changes, this page is wrong until we fix it — tell us and we will.