Social Fund Budgeting loans service

Contact the Social Fund Budgeting loans service if you need money for essential household items such as furniture or essential household equipment, clothing, footwear or home improvements. This service is for Northern Ireland residents only.

Check your eligibility and how to apply for a Social Fund Budgeting loan

Freephone:0800 022 4250

Opening hours

Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 4.00 pm

If you use sign language

You can use British Sign Language (BSL) or Irish Sign Language (ISL) to contact the Social Fund 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 Social Fund Budgeting Loans Service via the video relay service
the interpreter will check whether you require BSL or ISL

SMS (text) messages

When claiming a Social Fund Budgeting Loan, you may get text messages (SMS) from the Department for Communities (DfC). They will always be clearly marked as from 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) or you suspect a message as a scam, you should contact the Social Fund Service directly.

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Social Fund Budgeting loans service

Opening hours

If you use sign language

SMS (text) messages

Help improve this page - send your feedback

Messages

What to do next

Carer's Allowance

Discretionary support / Short-term benefit advance

Disability Living Allowance

Employment and Support Allowance

Jobseeker’s Allowance

Personal Independence Payment