More than £52m in Winter Fuel Payments has been paid to 301,000 people across Northern Ireland as of the end of November 2013.

Payments started to issue from November and claims must be received no later than 31 March 2014.

Winter Fuel Payments are issued annually to older people to help with heating bills and those qualifying could get up to £300.

Most households with someone born on or before 5 January 1952 are eligible for £200 towards their winter fuel bills. Households with someone aged 80 and over will receive £300.

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Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland is again encouraging those who have not received a payment but who think they may be eligible, to call the helpline.

The Minister said: "Some older people may be experiencing difficulty in meeting household bills and this payment will make a considerable difference in times when fuel costs are high. I would encourage all those who think that they may qualify for the payment and have not yet done so, to contact the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0845 9151 515 to check if they can make a claim."

(CD/JP)