The NI Social Security Agency (SSA) is responsible for social security benefits, such as Income Support and Attendance Allowance. The SSA has different offices which handle these benefits, including Social Security or jobs and Benefits Office, the Disability and Carers Service and the Pensions Service.

You can use Jobs and Benefits offices to find work or claim benefits or both. They are gradually replacing Jobcentres and Social Security offices. Your local Social Security or Jobs and Benefits office will be listed in the phone book under Government or Social Security Agency, or see their website www.dsdni.gov.uk. 

There are two types of benefit available from the Social Security Agency:

• Means-tested benefits, which depend on your income and savings, and those of your partner. These are always non-contributory.
• Non means-tested benefits, which can be either contributory (based on contributions you have made to the National Insurance contribution scheme) or non-contributory. You can claim non-contributory benefits even if you have not paid National Insurance contributions.

You may also find it useful to read the following leaflets produced by the Social Security Agency:

Disability Livivng Allowance (DLAA5DCS) - a guide to Disability Living Allowance

Attendance Allowance (AA5DCS) - a guide to Attendance Allowance

Caring for someone (CAA5DCS) - a guide to Carer's Allowance

Going to hospital? (GIHA5NI) - a basic guide to benefits you may be able to get and the affect on benefits you already get

Income Support (IS2O) - a guide to Income Support

Social Security Benefits in general (YGTOS) - Your Guide to Our Services - a guide that gives information on all Social Security Benefits, Tax Credits, Housing Benefit and Child Support.

You can ask for them at your local Social Security or Jobs and Benefits office, or download them from www.dsdni.gov.uk

There is also help available from the Housing Executive, Rate Collection Agency and HM Revenue & Customs (formerly Inland Revenue).