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DSD issues fuel allowance payments

Fuel allowance payments are being issued today to just over a quarter of a million vulnerable people across Northern Ireland.
~ Wednesday, 22 February 2012

The payment of either £100 or £75 is being made 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

Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland said: “My Department has started to issue the fuel allowance payments to 253,000 vulnerable people across Northern Ireland. Those in receipt of Pension Credit will receive £100, with all others qualifying receiving £75. The payments are being made automatically. Anyone qualifying, who has not received a payment by 29 February should call NI Direct on 0300 200 7870.”

Payments are being made by the Social Security Agency, on behalf of the Department for Social Development.

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.
  2. This is a one-off payment and is in addition to any other benefits payments which they may receive.”
  3. The Social Security Agency will issue payment and notification letters week commencing 20 February to all those who are due to receive a payment. Due to the volumes involved it is necessary to issue the payments in a phased way hence people should not contact the helpline number until the 29 February 2012 -No application is necessary.
  4. Most Pension Credit and Income Support customers will receive the payment in the same way as they receive their normal benefit although a small number will receive a cheque payment. All Jobseekers Allowance and Employment Support Allowance customers will receive a cheque payment through the post.
  5. More information is available at: http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/one-off-fuel-allowance-payment