Finance Support Service (Northern Ireland)
If you live in Northern Ireland and are in a financial crisis, you can apply online for Discretionary Support, a Short Term Benefit Advance or a Universal Credit New Claims Grant. You do not need to ring: someone will contact you.
Good to know
Discretionary Support can be an interest-free loan or a grant you would not have to pay back, depending on your circumstances. A Universal Credit New Claims Grant would not need to be repaid. Textphone 0800 587 2751. An appointment-based face to face service for vulnerable claimants is offered in all Jobs & Benefits offices, including for anyone who may find it hard to use the telephone. A video relay service for British and Irish Sign Language is for Northern Ireland residents only. Texts from the Department for Communities are clearly marked DfC and never ask you to click a link or give personal or financial details.
Before you call
Have ready
- your National Insurance number
- information on your rent or mortgage
- details of your income and of your savings
- your account details
They may ask
- you may be asked to visit your local Jobs & Benefits office if more information is needed
They can
- take your online application for Discretionary Support, a Short Term Benefit Advance or a Universal Credit New Claims Grant
- contact you after you apply: you do not need to ring
- take calls on textphone 0800 587 2751, and use a video relay service in British or Irish Sign Language (Northern Ireland residents only)
- offer an appointment-based face to face service in a Jobs & Benefits office if you find it hard to use the telephone
They cannot
- answer the phone outside Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm
- give you a Discretionary Support loan if you and your partner have total government debt of £1,500 or more (the page lists a Discretionary Support grant for living expenses for someone who could not repay a loan, or whose combined government debt is more than £1,500)
In the emergency guides: My benefits were stopped, cut or refused → · A flood, fire or storm hit my home → · I just lost my job → · I have no money for food → · I got a shutoff notice →
- Phone
- 0800 587 2750
- Website
- https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/contacts/finance-support-service
- Hours
- Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm
- Coverage
- Northern Ireland
- Languages
- English
- Last checked
- October 10, 2026
See something out of date or wrong? Tell us by email.
Shared by FindAngel.org — free, always · https://findangel.org/resources/uk-ni-finance-support-service/