Pensioners in Northern Ireland hit by winter fuel support cuts are to receive a one-off payment of £100 from Stormont, Gordon Lyons has said.

In August, the British government declared winter fuel payments would be means tested and are only granted to retirees receiving certain benefits.

The Minister of Communities criticized the government for making this decisionbut said Northern Ireland should follow suit.

Last week, Lyons said £17 million had been found in Stormont’s latest monitoring round to enable it to help households affected by the cut.

It is estimated that around 249,000 pensioners in Northern Ireland would be affected by reduced winter fuel payments this year.

The Communities Minister told the Northern Ireland Assembly on Tuesday that he wants to ensure every pensioner has support to “stay warm and safe” during the winter.

He said the initiative for a one-off £100 payment was based on options explored after additional funding was provided to his department last week.

“I believe this initiative reflects my commitment to fairness, compassion and responsibility for our elderly population,” he added.

“My officials are currently working at pace to prepare and present the necessary legislation and finalize arrangements.

“Payment will be made before the end of March 2025, but I am working closely with those responsible to make it happen as quickly as possible.”

The minister said there would be no application process as the ministry would automatically identify eligible people from existing records.

“This approach will ensure payments are distributed smoothly and efficiently, without the added burden of application forms or paperwork,” he said.

Lyons said he did not agree with the UK government’s decision to change the way winter fuel support works and would continue to advocate for its full reinstatement.

As part of the changes, around 57,000 pensioners in Northern Ireland will continue to receive winter fuel allowances, at an estimated cost of £10.5 million.

To qualify for a payment of up to £300, retirees must receive pension credit or other means-tested benefits.

Lyons told the meeting that between August and October this year, 3,026 applications for pension credits had been received by his department, representing an increase of around 56% compared to the same period of the last year.

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