Plans to provide a one-off payment of £200 to vulnerable people struggling to meet rising energy costs have been approved.

This £55 million Energy Payment Support Scheme will see around 280,000 eligible people secure the funding support. Those in receipt of pension credit, universal credit, income-relate employment and support allowance, income-based jobseekers allowance or income support during 13-19 December 2021 will be eligible for the one-off payment.

Announcing the scheme, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said: "Huge hikes in energy prices have placed even more pressure on people who are already struggling this winter. 

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"That's why I am providing a one-off payment of £200 to support those people and families who, without additional support, may struggle to heat their homes or pay their energy bills.

"I know the impact that rising global energy prices are having on people on low incomes and I have secured this funding in order to protect people from the worst impacts.

"These payments will be made as soon as practically possible."

The Minister added: "My Department continues to offer a range of support to assist vulnerable people on low-incomes who are in fuel poverty. This includes schemes to help improve the energy efficiency of their homes, as well as Cold Weather and Winter Fuel Payments and Discretionary Support.

"This funding is vital in providing further financial support to help vulnerable people meet their energy costs and to supporting people in maintaining their physical and mental health and wellbeing."

The payment will be made through existing payment channels, without the need for an application.