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Northern Ireland: Discretionary Support
Northern Ireland’s crisis-help scheme — a grant or interest-free loan from the Finance Support Service. What it covers, the limits, and how to apply.
Written by the benefitmoney.co.uk editorial team · Last reviewed 10 September 2026
In Northern Ireland, the crisis-help scheme is Discretionary Support, run by the Finance Support Service. Depending on your situation it can be a grant you never repay or an interest-free loan.
What it covers
It is for an extreme or exceptional crisis that puts your health, safety or wellbeing at serious risk — for example:
- Food and short-term living expenses.
- Buying, repairing or replacing basic household items, such as a cooker.
- Travel expenses, in limited circumstances.
- An advance of rent to a private landlord (not the Housing Executive).
Grant, loan, and the limits
Within any 12 months you can normally get up to three loans for living expenses and household items, one grant for living expenses, and one grant for independent community living. Your household’s total annual income after deductions must be no more than £29,741.40 (some income is excluded, and housing costs can be deducted).
How to apply
Contact the Finance Support Service. Have ready your National Insurance number, rent or mortgage details, income and savings, and bank account — payments are made straight to your account.
Discretionary Support on nidirectSource: nidirect — Discretionary Support↗. Opened 10 September 2026.
Other NI help
The Social Fund in Northern Ireland also runs Community Care Grants and Budgeting Loans. For a broken appliance see white-goods grants; for heating, help with energy bills. In England the equivalent scheme is the Household Support Fund.
Frequently asked questions
Is Discretionary Support a grant or a loan?
It can be either — a grant you never repay or an interest-free loan — depending on your circumstances and whether you can repay.
What is the income limit?
Your household’s total annual income after deductions must be no more than £29,741.40, with some income excluded and housing costs deductible.
How many times can I apply?
In a 12-month period, usually up to three loans for living expenses and household items, one grant for living expenses, and one grant for independent community living.
How do I apply?
Contact the Finance Support Service with your National Insurance number, rent or mortgage details, income, savings and bank details.
Sources
- nidirect — Discretionary Support↗ (grant or interest-free loan; income limit £29,741.40; 12-month limits). Opened 10 September 2026.
This page is independent. It is not run by the Department for Communities or nidirect. The nidirect page is the current position.