To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any measures his Department has taken to ensure that older people, particularly those living in rural areas with limited internet access, are not disadvantaged when seeking information about social security benefits.

My Department’s Make the Call Wraparound Service aims to ensure that its community-based Outreach Officers conduct home visits, provide face to face assistance for customers requiring help to make a benefit claim and work with local community, charitable and voluntary groups, to raise awareness of potential benefit entitlements and provide practical help in accessing them.

In 2023-24 the Make the Call Wraparound Service helped over 12k people access £62.1 million in additional benefits. This includes £21.2m for 4,755 people of pension age. Callers to the Make the Call helpline receive a free and confidential needs assessment to identify potential entitlement to benefits, support and services.

People who have difficulties attending their Jobs & Benefits office due to vulnerabilities or other barriers may benefit from a visit to their home by an officer from the Department.

Each of the Jobs & Benefits offices has internet enabled devices located onsite in digital zones. Staff working in partnership with the Northern Ireland Civil Service Go ON NI are on hand to help claimants develop the digital skills needed to make and maintain their benefit claim.

Information and support is provided through community outreach events where Jobs & Benefits office staff visit local facilities to provide their service.

My Department funds free broadband and computers through its Adviser Discretion Fund to help address digital exclusion being a barrier to starting or staying in work.

Libraries NI, an Arm’s Length Body sponsored by my Department, serves the rural population through its network of 96 libraries and 29 library facilities in designated rural areas providing access to free Wi-Fi, public computers, and digital support. Seven ‘Out of Hours’ facilities are in operation allowing digital services to be accessed at times convenient to the user. Working in partnership with my Department, Libraries NI offers digital access to government services including Make the Call.