AQW 49748/22-27 Written question to the Minister for Communities

To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any targeted cost-of-living interventions his Department has in place for disabled households facing rising energy and essential costs, as highlighted in the Joseph Rowntree Foundation's report, Disability and poverty in Northern Ireland.

Asked by Kellie Armstrong MLA on 26 June 2026

  • Answered
  • Written
Tabled
26 June 2026
Answer due by
15 July 2026
Answered
2 July 20266 days after tabling
Department
Department for Communities
Priority question
No

Answer

My Department is developing a Home Heating Oil Scheme with eligibility criteria that will target assistance to households in receipt of certain disability related benefits.

In the meantime, if an individual is experiencing an immediate crisis or emergency, including being unable to meet their daily essentials or energy costs, support may be available through the Discretionary Support Scheme, subject to eligibility and affordability conditions.

Official sources