It’s hard to survive: families’ experiences of welfare and the cost of living

Published On: 16th September 2026

By: Save the Children

Chris Parker’s report documents the reality for twenty-four families living on the welfare system in Northern Ireland, including the elements of the system that works well, the issues and challenges faced with the system (which sometimes led to debt, hardship, destitution and homelessness), the impact on the parents and carers mental health, and the impact of the cost of living. The document reviews recent research on the lived experience of social security in Northern Ireland, families’ financial situations and the social security system.

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