Support for Northern Ireland. Here at Consumer Rights, its our aim to assist residents living in Northern Ireland with the cost of living.

This article will outline all available support in Northern Ireland.

With the cost of living and energy at all-time highs, millions of people are concerned about their ability to pay their bills. People in the UK are concerned that they may be unable to pay their energy bills due to the skyrocketing energy cost.

Thousands are worried they won’t be able to put food on the table.

There are many schemes available to people of all backgrounds. The following schemes are available in Northern Ireland:

What schemes are available in Northern Ireland? 

Single payment of £600 to help with energy bills- The government today confirmed details of a single £600 payment to help households in Northern Ireland with their heating and electricity bills. As well as how those using alternative fuels and households without a direct relationship with an energy supplier will receive assistance with energy costs. This includes the Energy Price Guarantee, which will save a typical British household approximately £900 this winter, and a similar level of assistance in Northern Ireland.

Winter Fuel Payment- If you were born before September 26, 1956, you could receive between £250 and £600 to assist with heating costs. This is referred to as a “Winter Fuel Payment.” You will receive a “Pensioner Cost of Living Payment.” This ranges from £150 to £300.

Cold weather payment-  You could receive a payout if the average temperature in your location is 0 degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days, as measured or anticipated. Between November 1 and March 31, you will receive £25 for every seven days of extreme cold.

Adviser Discretion fund- The Adviser Discretion Fund (ADF) is a non-repayable grant award of up to £1,500 (during 12 months) that is only available via a Work Coach at your local Jobs and Benefits office. The award is used to purchase items or services that eliminate an employment barrier.

Cost of living payments 23/24- Payments will be given to eligible low-income (means-tested) recipients and disability payments. In addition, an extra Winter Fuel Payment will be issued. This page will be updated whenever additional information, such as the dates for eligibility and payment, has been revealed.

Disability cost of living payment- Beneficiaries of eligible low-income (means-tested) and disability benefits will receive payments. Additionally, a Winter Fuel Payment will be provided. The initial £301 in low-income (means-tested) Cost of Living Payments are due in the spring of 2023. During the summer of 2023, a£150 Disability Payment is owed.

In autumn 2023, the second £300 low-income means-tested Cost of Living Payment is due. A further Winter Fuel Payment of £30 is needed for Winter 2023/24. In the spring of 2024, the third £299 low-income (means-tested) Cost of Living Payment is due.

Help for pensioners-  This year, pensioner households will get an additional £300 in Pensioner Cost of Living Payment to assist with rising energy costs. If you are eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment for the winter of 2022-2023, you will get an additional  in addition to your regular payment beginning in November 2022.

Social Fund Budgeting Loan- You can receive assistance if you need money for necessary household supplies. Budgeting loans assist with expenses such as furniture, clothing, footwear, and home improvements. There is no interest on the loans.

Short-term benefit advance- If you are in dire financial need, you may be able to receive an advance on your first benefit payment. Typically, you repay the loan through your benefits. You will not be charged interest.

Universal credit contingency fund- short-term living expenses grant- A Universal Credit Contingency Fund short-term living expenses grant can assist with the cost of living (for example, to purchase food, toiletries, or cleaning supplies or to top up your fuel meter) if you are experiencing financial difficulty while waiting for your first total Universal Credit award to be paid.

This could be the first or second payment if you are paid twice per month or the first payment if you are paid monthly. The grant would not need a repayment.

School uniform grants-
Check if your local government offers financial assistance for school uniforms and PE equipment. If your council needs assistance, contact the school your child attends. You may be eligible for a school uniform grant if you live in one of the following areas:

  • Northern Ireland
  • Scotland
  • Wales

Energy Support Payment- The Energy Costs Support Scheme gives qualified households a £400 non-repayable discount to assist with their energy bills during the winter of 2022–2023. The discount is predetermined. If you receive a message requesting your bank information, it may be a hoax.

£100 credit for home heating oil customers- Similar to The Energy Bills Support Scheme, the government has agreed that a £100 payment to home heating oil consumers will be made as an electricity bill credit.

Food Banks in Northern Ireland- Below is a list of available food banks in and around Northern Ireland for anyone struggling. Knowing that some food banks (Not all) will require a voucher upon arrival is essential.

Warm banks/ Warm spaces- Old buildings such as libraries and churches are being transformed into ‘warm spaces’ across the UK. You may find your nearest warm bank by entering your postcode into the warmspaces search engine. ‘Use your loaf’ A shop on Antrim Road has become a warm shelter. It offers breakfast packs, warm drinks, and fuel for the fire for people who may not be able to afford it. BelfastCity.gov.uk/warmspaces is a website that lists all the available warm spaces in Northern Ireland. It lists when and where each warm space is on and what time each day. The site can help pinpoint the nearest available warm bank to you.

Charities distributing help in Northern Ireland- 

Helplines available in Northern Ireland- There are several helplines available across Northern Ireland to offer assistance or advice to anyone struggling. Helplines are available 24 hours a day.

  • Age NI– 028 9024 5729
  • Autism NI– 028 9040 1729
  • Christians against poverty– 0800 328 0006
  • Domestic + sexual abuse– 0808 802 1414
  • Lifeline- 18001 0808 808 8000=

Homeless shelters in and around Northern Ireland- For anyone needing emergency support with accommodation this winter.

  • Shelter NI– 028 9024 7752
  • Extern Ormeau center– 028 9023 8091
  • Welcome organization– 028 9024 0424
  • SLATE- A shelter NI project– 028 8226 7010
  • Belfast Homeless Services– Amelia St, Belfast BT2 7GS
  • Flax Foyer– 028 9023 2882