On Tuesday 24th August, The Department of Social Development, Northern Ireland, published the seventh Household Below Average Income Report 2008/2009.

This report provides information on potential living standards, as determined by disposable income in 2008/09. The average ‘household’ income referred in the report is the average ‘living standard’ for individuals, as determined by their net disposable equivalised household income. 

The 2008/9 report revealed disparities in income levels among pensioners in Northern Ireland when compared to the overall UK figures. Findings included:

• 23 per cent of older people in Northern Ireland were living in poverty (below the 60 per cent median line) after housing costs (AHC) compared to 16% in the UK. (Households Below Average Income 2008-09) 
• 15 per cent of older people in Northern Ireland were living in severe poverty (below the 50 per cent median line) (AHC) compared to 9% in the UK. (Households Below Average Income 2008-09)

The full report and chapter on pensioners is available at the following links:

Households Below Average Income 2008/9

Chapter 6: Pensioners (Word 265KB)