Redundancy & Benefits

NI Direct

Being made redundant is challenging. But there is support and information available to help you understand what benefits you can claim and find a new job.

Benefit advice

To make sure you're getting all the benefits, services and supports you're entitled to, contact the Make the Call benefit advice line. Find out more at:

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a payment for people over 18 but under State Pension age who are on a low income or out of work. It includes support for the cost of housing, children and childcare.

The Universal Credit money manager is a useful tool when you're making a new claim or moving to Universal Credit from existing benefits:

Contribution-based benefits

If you've worked and paid enough National Insurance contributions, usually within the last two years, you may be able to claim a contribution-based benefit:

Help from Jobs and Benefits offices

Jobs and Benefits offices throughout Northern Ireland provide information on job vacancies and benefits. Staff will help you get details of all the support services available to you, including how to join training programmes. A redundancy advice webinar on benefits and supports is available at:

Finding another job

During difficult times, it may be harder to find another job and there may be many others competing for the same job. To be successful, you should make the most of your job-search skills. Find out where to look for jobs:

Helplines & Web Chats

Advice NI - Freephone advice helpline
MoneyHelper