Cost of Living: thousands of NI families to get payments from July
Families across Northern Ireland are to benefit from cost-of-living payments of up to ÂŁ650.
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said the payments would be made to those on income-related and disability benefits, as well as pensioners, "to help support those most in need during the escalating cost-of-living crisis."A first payment will be made by July with the second one in the auumn.
Minister Hargey said: “I can confirm direct payments to thousands of families, individuals, low-income workers and pensioners.
“While these payments are a step in the right direction, they do not go far enough to protect all those impacted. Many people are struggling, including workers and families who are not eligible for benefits.
“The absence of a functioning Executive and no budget in place makes the challenge of dealing with these issues all the greater.
“Money needs to be put directly into the pockets of people who desperately need it.
“I am committed to doing all I can to mitigate the real and damaging impacts people are enduring.
“That is why I have reconvened the Emergencies Leadership Group as part of my strategic response to the crisis, bringing together leaders from the community and voluntary sector who are on the frontline, assisting workers, families and communities who are enduring real hardship as the crisis deepens.”