About this guide
Discretionary Support and other emergency financial-help routes for people in Northern Ireland.
Discretionary Support
Northern Ireland's Discretionary Support scheme may provide loans or grants in a financial crisis, including help with short-term living expenses or essential household items.
NIDIRECT — DISCRETIONARY SUPPORTLoans and grants
The scheme can include repayable loans and, in some circumstances, grants. The type of support depends on your situation, income, existing government debt and the reason help is needed.
Housing and homelessness
For rent, homelessness or social-housing problems, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive is the key statutory housing body.
NORTHERN IRELAND HOUSING EXECUTIVEBenefits and debt
Check benefit entitlement and get independent debt advice if emergency support will not solve an ongoing income shortfall.
NIDIRECT BENEFITS