Background to the Research

• This briefing paper looks at poverty, disability and ill health among the pensioner population of Northern Ireland.

Research Approach

• Analysis of data from the 1999 Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey, using questions funded by the Nuffield Foundation, Department for Social Development and the Social Security Agency.

Main findings

• 65% of single pensioners and 50% of pensioner couples can be described as hard pressed financially with a weekly income of less than £90 and £135 respectively.
• 46% of interviewees admitted that they were just about managing financially; a further 9% said that they were finding it difficult to make ends meet.
• 45% of pensioners reported a longstanding illness or disability.
• The Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance do not appear to be reaching all who may be entitled.
• Half the respondents worried that they would need residential or nursing home care in the future.
• One tenth of pensioners may be entitled to the Minimum Income Guarantee for pensioners (Income Support) but not claiming it.