340,000 NI households to be eligible for £100 oil support payment
The £100 oil voucher scheme will begin taking applications on September 9
A home heating oil support scheme is to open for 340,000 eligible households in Northern Ireland.
The £100 oil voucher scheme will begin taking applications on September 9.
One voucher per address will be payable where applicants use oil as their main source of heating and receive a qualifying income-related benefit, or a disability benefit, or have an annual income for single people or couples of less than £30,000 after allowable deductions.
The cost of fuel has soared since the war in Iran.
The US and Israel began bombing Iran on February 28, after which the Iranians began an effective blockade of vital trading route the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting energy and fuel supplies.
In Northern Ireland, almost two thirds of domestic properties use home heating oil.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said he was making an advance announcement of the new scheme “to help eligible people get ready to make their application”.
“My officials have worked at pace to put in place a fair and robust system to help hard-pressed families and individuals who are struggling to meet heating oil costs,” he said.
“I would encourage anyone who may be eligible, or those assisting them, to review the eligibility criteria online and ensure they are ready to submit an application when the scheme opens.”
He added: “I am pleased to have secured Executive support for additional funding to help meet the immediate pressure of rising oil costs, but this measure does not go far enough.
“I will be pressing for funding support for the Warm Healthy Homes Strategy to bring meaningful, lasting change for people living in fuel poverty.
“I will also be making an announcement later in the year on changes to the Discretionary Support Scheme to ensure fuel grant assistance is available to those in need, regardless of the type of home heating they rely on.”
The Scheme will open for applications on September 9 2026 and will close on March 31 2027.
Advice NI’s Matt Cole said: “We have been in close contact with officials from the Department for Communities and appreciate the commitment to developing an application process that should make claiming a payment as fair and straightforward as possible.
“As always, the independent advice network stands ready to assist those who need help. As such, anyone who wants to check their eligibility, who needs support with making an application, or who encounters any problems with their claim, can get in touch for free, impartial advice.”
David Blevings, director of the NI Oil Federation, welcomed the Home Heating Oil Support Scheme, saying it “will assist consumers in reducing their oil bills as we go into the winter months”.
“While the oil price has fallen back from the initial spike, the situation is still volatile, and this assistance will be greatly appreciated by those who qualify for this support,” he said.
The £36.4 million Scheme comprises £17.2 million allocated by the UK Government and an additional £19.2 million provided by the Executive.
Read More:
High Court quashes Parades Commission Drumcree determination
16 year old boy arrested under Terrorism Act after suspected explosive devices found in Omagh
How to listen to Cool FM: