Eligible households in Northern Ireland will begin to receive cost-of-living payments from Thursday, it's understood.
The direct payments of up to £650 will be made to those in greatest need, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey confirmed in June. It will be paid in two instalments, the first payment of £326 this month and the second payment of £324 in autumn 2022.
It will be made to those in receipt of the following means tested benefits:
- Universal Credit
- State Pension Credit
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
Read more: Belfast foodbank warns need has "never been as high"
A Department for Communities spokesperson told Belfast Live: “Most of the first cost of living payments are being made between 14 and 31 July. These payments are being made in batches with local payments due to reach most customer accounts on 20 July. A small number of customers here may receive their payment before or after 20 July.”
Minister Hargey previously said: “I can confirm direct payments to thousands of families, individuals, low-income workers and pensioners.
“While these payments are a step in the right direction, they do not go far enough to protect all those impacted. Many people are struggling, including workers and families who are not eligible for benefits.
“The absence of a functioning Executive and no budget in place makes the challenge of dealing with these issues all the greater.
“Money needs to be put directly into the pockets of people who desperately need it.
“I am committed to doing all I can to mitigate the real and damaging impacts people are enduring.
“That is why I have reconvened the Emergencies Leadership Group as part of my strategic response to the crisis, bringing together leaders from the community and voluntary sector who are on the frontline, assisting workers, families and communities who are enduring real hardship as the crisis deepens.”
Those in receipt of both Child and Working Tax Credits will also receive a payment of £650 paid in two instalments in autumn and winter 2022
A £150 disability payment will be paid automatically to those in receipt of the following disability benefits on the qualifying date of 25 May 2022
- · disability living allowance
- · personal independence payment
- · attendance allowance
- · armed forces independence payment
- · constant attendance allowance
- · war pensions mobility supplement
Pensioner households will also receive a one-off winter fuel payment of £300 in addition to their existing Winter Fuel payment.
For more information, CLICK HERE.
READ NEXT:
- Belfast foodbank asks for support ahead of summer holidays
- 'It’s not easy walking into a food bank and saying you need help,' admits NI mum as demand soars
- Belfast foodbank braces itself to help more people this year hit by cost of living crisis
- North Belfast food bank issues urgent appeal ahead of school summer holidays
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
