A local charity representing older people is calling for "much-needed" financial support as 40% of pensioners in Northern Ireland are living in poverty.
Age NI say clarity is needed on how and when Northern Ireland's elderly will be able to access the whole package of measures announced by UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak.
A statement from the Chancellor on Thursday said the most vulnerable households across Northern Ireland will receive support up to £1,000 this year, including a new one-off £650 cost of living payment.
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Age NI fear that the full extent of payments outlined will only be available to older people here if local politicians get back around the table and agree how the money will be accessed.
The latest cost of living research from the charity found around 65,000 households aged 60+ in Northern Ireland will have insufficient income to cover their essential spending this year.
Around 25,000 (almost 40%) of pensioners here are currently living in poverty or just above the poverty line.
Eithne Gilligan, Age NI Head of Policy said: “This announcement will provide some welcome relief for older people across the UK. What we need to ensure is that older people here in Northern Ireland get timely and equal access to what has been promised - and in full - and that they are not disadvantaged because of our political situation.
“We are hearing from pensioners who are feeling financial pressure and already living in fear of the coming months ahead. They need this money in their pockets now.”
SDLP Foyle MLA Mark Durkan is calling for tailored support to assist pensioners during the cost of living crisis.
He said: “Everything that can be done must be done to alleviate the pressures on so many people at this time and older people are evidently at risk of bearing the brunt of the cost of living crisis. This demographic makes up a significant proportion of the Northern Ireland population, 17% according to the latest Census report.
"This cohort is among society’s most vulnerable, they deserve to be provided with support and dignity in later life. Yet the reality remains that pensioners on fixed incomes are forced to scrape together the pennies when bills go up by pounds.
“The government must establish a robust action plan to support pensioners - including an uprate in benefits which is truly reflective of the rise in inflation, a financial aid package and the development of a dedicated service to ensure those of pensionable age are receiving their full entitlements.
"We have a responsibility to do all we can to make sure older people are not missing out on vital additional income and are fully supported.”
Age NI are urging older people to ensure they are claiming the benefits which open up access to some of the key payments announced by the Chancellor, in particular Pension Credit.
Eithne continued: “Age NI helps hundreds of older people to discover what they are entitled to and how to claim through our Advice Line. These benefits entitlements are rightfully theirs, and many older people don’t know they are eligible to claim.
"Last year alone we helped to unlock over £1 million in unclaimed benefits for older people here. Pension Credit opens the door to a wide range of other financial support. With prices continuing to rise, life is not going to be easy over the coming months and these payments could become life-changing.
"We would urge all older people to check this as a matter of urgency and put in a claim without delay. Go to www.ageni.org for more information or call our free advice line on 0808 808 7575.”
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