One-off £200 energy payment approved by Stormont
The Communities Minister has said payment will be made as soon as practically possible
Last updated 13th Jan 2022
The Northern Ireland Executive has backed a plan to provide a one-off payment of £200 pounds to those who need support with energy costs.
Communities Minister, Deirdre Hargey , put the £55 million pounds Fuel Support Scheme request to Stormont today (Thursday) during a virtual meeting.
The one-off payment will be made automatically to around 280,000 eligible people in receipt of specified benefits.
It will be made through existing payment channels, without the need for an application.
Minister Hargey said: “Huge hikes in energy prices have placed even more pressure on people who are already struggling this winter.
“That’s why I am providing a one-off payment of £200 to support those people and families who, without additional support, may struggle to heat their homes or pay their energy bills.
“I know the impact that rising global energy prices are having on people on low incomes and I have secured this funding to protect people from the worst impacts.
“These payments will be made as soon as practically possible.”
Individuals will be eligible for this payment if, during the qualifying week (Monday 13th December to Sunday 19th December 2021 inclusive), they were in receipt of one or more of the following benefits:
· Pension Credit;
· Universal Credit;
· Income-related Employment and Support Allowance;
· Income-based Jobseekers Allowance; or
· Income Support.
Minister Hargey added: “My Department continues to offer a range of support to assist vulnerable people on low incomes who are in fuel poverty.
“This includes schemes to help improve the energy efficiency of their homes, as well as Cold Weather and Winter Fuel Payments and Discretionary Support.
“This funding is vital in providing further financial support to help vulnerable people meet their energy costs and to supporting people in maintaining their physical and mental health and wellbeing.”
Finance Minister, Conor Murphy, has said the funding is “vital” and “will provide a lifeline to many families.”
He added: “The cost of living crisis and rising fuel costs have left many families facing an uncertain winter.
“The prospect of choosing between heating your home or putting food on the table is a choice no family should have to make.
“Given the severe hardship facing families and the need to get support out onto the ground, I was keen to be able to allocate funding in advance of January monitoring.
In addition to funding the Energy Payment Support Scheme, the Executive has also agreed an allocation of £2 million for energy costs associated with roads and £1.8 million for NI Water to address urgent and immediate pressures because of increased energy costs.
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