Finance Support Service (in times of crisis and need)

If you have a financial crisis you can apply for Discretionary Support or a Short Term Benefit Advance by using the online application form

You can apply for Discretionary Support or the Universal Credit New Claims Grant by using the Finance Support  form. You do not need to ring the Discretionary Support Freephone line, someone will contact you.  Check what Finance Support you can apply for.

You may be asked to visit your local Jobs and Benefits office if additional information is required.

The Department for Communities also offer an appointment based face to face service for vulnerable claimants in each of their Jobs & Benefits offices. Vulnerable claimants include people who may find it difficult to access telephony because of learning problems, mental illness or difficulty communicating.

If you use sign language

You can use British Sign Language (BSL) or Irish Sign Language (ISL) to contact Finance Support Service:

To use the video relay service:

• Check that you can use the BSL video relay service
• Check that you can use the ISL video relay service
• contact Finance Support Service via the video relay service
• The interpreter will check whether you require BSL or ISL

This service is for Northern Ireland residents only.

SMS messages

When claiming Finance support you may receive text messages (SMS) from the Department for Communities (DfC). They will always be clearly marked as DfC and will never ask you to give, or click a link to give, personal information or financial details by message or email.

If you’re concerned or unsure about any text messages (SMS) you receive from or about Finance Support you should contact the Finance Support Service directly. If you suspect you have received a fraudulent message as a scam, contact the Finance Support Service immediately.

Further information is available at scamwiseni.