Social benefits
The benefits system provides practical help and financial support for those who are unemployed and looking for work. It also provides people with additional income when their earnings are low, if they are bringing up children, are retired, care for someone, are ill or have a disability.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) manages most benefits through Jobcentre Plus offices. Benefits and entitlements for pensioners are dealt with through a network of pension centres which provide a face-to-face service for those who need additional help and support. People also often need to deal with other agencies or government departments, such as your local council or HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
Data for DWP benefit claimants within small geographical areas are available on a quarterly basis going back to August 1999. These geographical areas are frozen 2003 Census Area Statistics (CAS) wards and Lower Super Output Areas (LSOA) in England & Wales and Data Zones in Scotland. All data is derived from the Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study (WPLS) used to publish national, regional and Local Authority caseload information. They are National Statistics. Links to these datasets are available by selecting the appropriate sections (at the bottom of the screen).
The DWP Tabulation Tool allows you to produce bespoke tabulations to your requirements at District level. This is available by selecting the link entitled Statistical Tabulation Tool (on the right hand side of the screen).
This page last updated: 03-11-2007