Better-off pensioners who lost out as a result of the Labour government’s withdrawal of the winter fuel payment are to receive a one-off payment.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said those aged 68 or over who no longer automatically qualify for the annual payment will receive £100.
The payments will be made before the end of March 2025 though the DUP minister said he keen they would be “delivered as soon as possible”.
Around 57,000 less well off pensioners across the north will continue to receive winter fuel payments, worth an estimated £10.5m.
Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald last week announced an allocation of £17m for winter fuel support.
The universal winter fuel payment was withdrawn by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in July.
Those not on pension credit or other means-tested benefits will no longer get the annual payments, worth between £100–£300.
The estimated cost of maintaining universal entitlement to winter fuel payments for the north’s 249,000 pensioners is £44.3m.
On Tuesday, Mr Lyons told the assembly he wanted to ensure that every pensioner has support to “stay warm and safe” during the winter.
“I believe this initiative reflects my commitment to fairness, compassion, and responsibility towards our older population,” he said.
“My officials are now working at pace to prepare and bring forward the necessary legislation and to finalise arrangements.”
There will be no application process for the payment as eligible individuals will be automatically identified through existing records.
Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said that while any financial support was welcome he had concerns that the payment would “arrive too late for many pensioners”.
“It’s particularly galling that this week, with wintry weather and cold spells on the horizon, that our elderly and arguably most vulnerable cohort, is being told they could be waiting four months before support is available,” he said.
“The minister said he recognised the need to get this money paid out as quickly as possible but that contradicts what we’ve been told today - it’s taken two and a half months for him to announce a one-off hardship payment which at £100 falls far short of what pensioners would have received under the traditional winter fuel payment.”
