Payments from the £55million Energy Payment Support Scheme will start being paid on Friday, a day later than planned due to "a technical glitch".
The one-off payment of £200 will provide support for people struggling to meet rising energy costs due to the global fuel crisis and will be made automatically to around 280,000 eligible people in receipt of specified benefits.
The payment, which was announced in January, was due to be made on Thursday but will now be made from Friday onwards, after the Department for Work and Pensions system experienced a "technical glitch".
Read more: £200 Energy Payments NI: Deirdre Hargey confirms who is eligible
On Wednesday morning, Minister Hargey tweeted: "The much needed energy payment of £200 will now begin to be paid directly to people's accounts on Friday.
"I’m disappointed that DWP experienced a technical glitch resulted in payments not going ahead on Thursday. I have been assured this morning that the issue has been rectified."
Who is eligible?
Individuals will be eligible for this payment if, during the qualifying week from Monday December 13 to Sunday December 19 2021, they were in receipt of one or more of the following benefits:
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit;
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance;
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance; or
- Income Support.
Announcing the payments last week, Minister Hargey said: “The rising cost of living and soaring increases in energy bills continues to have major impact on people who are finding it harder to cope. Many are struggling to afford essentials, such as heating their homes and paying for their electricity.
“As Communities Minister my top priority has always been to support people. I therefore secured £55million which will ensure 280,000 eligible people and families will see payments of £200 starting to be received into bank accounts next week.”
SDLP communities spokesperson Mark H Durkan said the latest setback in the roll out of the scheme is unacceptable.
The Foyle MLA: “Minister Hargey and her department have had two months to iron out any issues and ensure this payment runs smoothly.
“It is wholly unacceptable that people who have been waiting in desperation for months for this promised £200 payment, are now being told that it will be made from Friday onwards after the Minister gave assurances that it would be paid Thursday and Friday.
“There is no guarantee that this technical glitch in the system will be resolved by the end of the week.
“I have repeatedly highlighted the importance of getting this money to people quickly. This should have been sorted out before Christmas and now we are looking at a payment to support people through a difficult winter being issued in spring, with fuel escalating in price on a daily basis.
“This scheme was announced at the beginning of the year it’s been dangled in front of freezing families for too long. The latest setback is simply not good enough. People deserve better.”
To 'Make the Call' you can phone 0800 232 1271; text ADVICE to 67300; Visit nidirect.gov.uk/makethecall or email makethecall@dfcni.gov.uk.
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