A £55million Energy Payment Support Scheme to help certain people in Northern Ireland pay their bills has just been announced.
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey confirmed the news on Thursday, January 13.
The scheme is the latest of a number of attempts but NI government leaders to help people who may struggle heat their homes or pay energy bills this winter.
Energy costs are rising due to the global fuel crisis.
Here is everything you need to know about the new Energy Payment Support Scheme and who is eligible.
What will the scheme provide?
A one-off payment of £200 will be made automatically to around 280,000 eligible people in receipt of specified benefits.
Who is eligible?
Individuals will be eligible for this payment if, during the qualifying week (Monday, December 13 to Sunday, December 19 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
- Income Support
I am eligible, do I need to apply?
The payment will be made through existing payment channels, without the need for an application.
When will the payment arrive in my account?
In her statement about the scheme, Minister Hargey said payments will be made “as soon as practically possible.”
What other schemes are in place to help people with energy payments?
Minister Hargey said: “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.”
The Emergency Fuel Payment Scheme that the Minister mentioned will provide people with £100 towards their electric, gas or oil bill.
It received over 1,000 applications in its first few days of opening, with more than 300 households already allocated funding.
But as Stormont's Communities committee heard on Tuesday, January 11, people have been struggling to apply, because within as little as 15 minutes after it opens, the application portal shuts again.
The scheme runs for 84 days from January 6 to March 31, and will provide support for 20,000 households.
Find out more about how to apply for the Emergency Fuel Payment Scheme.
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