The SDLP's Foyle MLA Mark H Durkin has called on the Minister to provide 'urgent clarity' on the situation
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons is exploring options to provide those who missed out on the Winter Fuel Payment with a one-off hardship payment this winter.
"I want to ensure that any additional money allocated to the NI Block will be used to ensure that vulnerable older people in Northern Ireland receive assistance with essential costs this winter. "In the meantime, it is extremely important that people ensure that they are receiving all of the benefits they are entitled to. I would therefore encourage everyone to check their entitlement to Pension Credit at their earliest opportunity. This can be done by telephoning the Northern Ireland Pension Centre’s Pension Credit Application Line," he added.
Speaking after the Minister answered his question, Mark H Durkan said: "As temperatures begin to drop, people’s minds automatically turn to bills - many start to worry about heating costs; wondering when gas or oil prices will hit their lowest, whether that timing will match up with pay day, and in some cases, if they’ll face the difficult choice between heating or eating.
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