Summary
This year, 86% of pensioners in Northern Ireland will qualify for a winter fuel payment, according to Communities Minister Gordon Lyons. This policy change comes after an earlier decision to limit these payments was reversed. Now, pensioners with incomes of £35,000 or less can receive the grant.
Key Facts
- 86% of pensioners in Northern Ireland will be eligible for the winter fuel payment this year.
- The eligibility change follows a previous decision to restrict payments for cost-saving reasons.
- Pensioners with an income of £35,000 or lower can qualify for the payment.
- 288,000 pensioners in Northern Ireland are expected to receive this payment.
- Across the whole UK, about 80% of pensioners will keep the payment, but in Northern Ireland, the percentage is higher due to generally lower incomes.
- Winter fuel payments started in 1997 to help pensioners with heating costs during winter.
- Previously, Northern Ireland had to follow a policy where payments were restricted to those on benefits and pension credit.
- Minister Lyons had secured £17 million from Stormont for a one-off payment for pensioners affected by last winter's cuts.
