“We don’t just want to survive…”

Families’ priorities for improving the social security system in Northern Ireland

In recognition that many families are being pushed to the brink, Save the Children Northern Ireland sought to find out how the support people receive from the government (such as Universal Credit and other benefits) makes a difference in their lives. Undertaking research with 24 families across Northern Ireland the evidence revealed that families are just about surviving when they should be thriving.

The first report revealed the financial support available wasn’t enough to meet costs, the system is impersonal, inflexible, and unable to adapt to the complicated lives therefore rather than helping often caused more harm.

In September 2023 the second report was published revealing families priorities for improving the social security system in Northern Ireland.

Read the full report here.