Northern Ireland pensioners to receive £100 one off payment after winter fuel cuts

Pensioners in Northern Ireland impacted by winter fuel support cuts are set to get a one-off payment of £100.

The communities minister said £17 million had been found in Stormont's latest monitoring round to allow him to help households affected by the new cuts.

In August, the UK government announced winter fuel payments would be means tested, and only available to older people on certain benefits. Minister Gordon Lyons criticised this decision, but said Northern Ireland would have to follow.

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It's estimated the winter fuel payment cuts would affect around 249,000 pensioners in Northern Ireland this year.

Speaking in the Northern Ireland Assembly on Tuesday, the communities minister announced plans for a £100 payment for pensioners impacted by the cuts. Minister Lyons said he wanted to ensure every pensioner has support to "stay warm and safe" during the winter.

He added: "I believe this initiative reflects my commitment to fairness, compassion, and responsibility towards our older population. My officials are now working at pace to prepare and bring forward the necessary legislation and to finalise arrangements.

"The payment will be made before the end of March 2025, however I am working closely with officials to deliver this as soon as possible."

The minister said there will be no application process, as the department will automatically identify eligible individuals through existing records.

"This approach will ensure a smooth and efficient distribution of payments, without the additional burden of application forms or red tape," he added.

Under the new means tested winter fuel payment guidelines, around 57,000 pensioners in Northern Ireland will continue to receive the payment, with an estimated cost of £10.5 million. To qualify for the payment of up to £300, pensioners must receive pension credit or other means-tested benefits.

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