NI Covid-19 Heating Payment to be paid soon to those eligible

The Department for Communities is providing a one-off heating payment if you are in receipt of Pension Credit, or are in receipt of certain disability benefits at the higher rates, in recognition of additional costs arising from the Covid-19 pandemic.

You do not need to apply for a Covid-19 Heating Payment. Payments are planned for the end of January 2021. If you are receiving one of the benefits below in the qualifying week, you will receive the payment automatically.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Covid-19 Heating Payment during the qualifying week from Monday 30 November to Sunday 6 December (inclusive), you must be a resident in Northern Ireland and in receipt of one or more of the following benefits:

• Pension Credit

• the higher rate of Attendance Allowance

• the higher rate care and / or higher rate mobility element of Disability Living Allowance, including children

• the enhanced rate daily living and / or enhanced rate mobility element of Personal Independence Payment

How it is paid

If you are eligible, the Covid-19 Heating Payment will be a one-off payment of £200 paid automatically into the same account you receive your usual benefit payments. You will only receive one payment, even if you receive more than one of the benefits above.

This payment will be disregarded when considering your entitlement to other benefits, including tax credits, and may be taxable.

The Covid-19 Heating Payment is in addition to any other payments, including the Winter Fuel Payment.

If you are part of a couple to whom Pension Credit is jointly paid, you will only receive one Covid-19 Heating Payment.

You will not receive the payment if you are resident in a care home during the qualifying week.

When it is paid

It is planned that payment of the Covid-19 Heating Payment will be made week commencing 25 January 2021.