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McCausland confirms payment date for Fuel Allowance payment

Around 250,000 fuel allowance payments of up to £100 will be made later this month.
~ Wednesday, 1 February 2012

The Social Security Agency, on behalf of the Department for Social Development, will make payments to those who in the week 12 to 18 December 2011, were in receipt of:

  • Pension Credit,
  • Income Support
  • Jobseekers Allowance Income Based or
  • Employment Support Allowance income related.

Payments will begin to issue in the week commencing 20 February. Those in receipt of Pension Credit will receive £100, with all others qualifying receiving £75.

Confirming the payments Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland said: “The payment is being made from the Social Protection Fund, a fund established by the Northern Ireland Executive in March 2011 to mitigate against the impact of the financial cuts on the most vulnerable in our society. This is a one-off payment and is in addition to any other benefits payments which they may receive.”

The Social Security Agency will issue payment notification letters week commencing 20 February to all those who are due to receive a payment. No application is necessary. Those on Pension Credit and Income Support will receive the payment in the same way as they receive their benefit payments. Jobseekers Allowance and Employment Support Allowance customers will receive a cheque payment through the post.

Social Security Agency customers can get additional information by calling NI Direct on 0300 200 7870. Information is also available at: http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/one-off-fuel-allowance-payment

Notes to editors:

  1. Media enquiries to DSD Communications Team on 028 9082 9494 or email press.office@dsdni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.