Tens of thousands of Northern Irish pensioners may receive reinstated winter fuel payments following a government policy reversal.
Approximately 250,000 pensioners in Northern Ireland experienced a reduction in payments last year, a cost-cutting measure implemented by the Labour government.
However, the government has revised the payment eligibility criteria.
This means most pensioners will receive £200 (under 80) or £300 (over 80) for the upcoming winter.
The payments will be disbursed for the coming winter season.
Pensioners with annual incomes exceeding £35,000 will not qualify.
Many Northern Irish pensioners were excluded from winter fuel payments last year due to means testing implemented following a Westminster decision.
This decision, announced shortly after Labour’s July ascension to power, drew sharp criticism from unions and pensioner advocacy groups.
Following a Stormont review, an additional £17 million was allocated. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons secured funding for a one-time £100 payment to support affected pensioners.
Winter Fuel Payments, established in 1997, assist those above state pension age with winter heating costs.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced last year that winter 2024 would mark the first year of ineligibility for pensioners in England and Wales.
Northern Ireland was compelled to adopt the same policy.
Payments were subsequently limited to benefit and pension credit recipients.
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