5. Mr Irwin asked the Minister for Communities to outline the financial support that is available to pensioners this winter. (AQO 770/22-27)

Pensioners who are on a low income may be entitled to pension credit, which is a means-tested benefit for people over state pension age. On average, people on pension credit can be better off by around £4,400 a year and are passported to other support, such as help with housing costs and NHS costs, and there are free TV licences for those aged over 75.

Winter fuel payments will continue to be paid to all pensioners who are in receipt of pension credit and meet the eligibility criteria. Pension credit recipients also receive cold weather payments of £25 a day for any seven-day period of very cold weather between November and the end of March each year. Pensioners on low incomes may be able to access support from my Department's discretionary support service, which can include an interest-free loan to help with fuel costs.

I thank the Minister for his response. Has there been any increase in pension credit uptake, given the shocking announcement by the Labour Government?

Yes, there has been. In August 2024, 889 people applied in Northern Ireland, compared with 610 in the same period last year. In July 2024, there were 663 applicants, compared with 526 last year. We are seeing an uptick in the number of people who are applying for pension credit. Only two weeks into this month, we have already had over 550 applications. I encourage Members to continue to highlight the importance of pension credit and to get people to apply. I know that it is a long process, but, with the average uplift being £4,400, it is certainly worth it.

The Minister would agree that, when it comes to financial support, the affordable warmth scheme is critical, particularly for our most vulnerable people and pensioners on low incomes. Can he outline whether the scheme is unable to be continued for new applications, due to the chronic and sustained underfunding by the British Government? If so, what conversations have been had to support vulnerable people whose applications are being processed, or any new applicants?

I have certainly raised that with the UK Government. I told them, first of all, about the need to change their minds on the winter fuel payment, and also, if that is not the case, to ensure that we have sufficient support in place for older people, especially those who are most vulnerable. The affordable warmth scheme is, absolutely, a lifeline to many people, and makes long-lasting changes, not just for one year. That is why I will continue to do all that I can to ensure that we can keep that open, and also to ensure that we find a replacement for that scheme under our new Fuel Poverty strategy.