Community Minister Gordon Leons has stated that 86% of pensioners in Northern Ireland might be eligible for winter gas fee this 12 months.
It comes after the federal government Demonstrated U-turn on its controversial coverage,
Labor initially eliminated common fee as value financial savings measures.
But now individuals with revenue of £ 35,000 or under are eligible for grants.
Leones informed BBC Radio Ulster's Additional Program Their officers have evaluated {that a} change in coverage would imply that 288,000 pensioners are in line for fee.
“For comparison, about 80% of pensioners will be maintained across the UK [the payment]But this is slightly higher in Northern Ireland due to our low income, “he stated.
“This is a mess from the beginning. The government has a lot to respond to this. It has been terrified by the government and there is a lot of concern and concern in the minds of our old people.”
Leones achieved £ 17m from Stormont To present £ 100 one-band fee For individuals affected by reduce within the final winter.
He stated that the coverage of labor authorities was misled.
“I said that from the beginning the government will not save a lot of money from the beginning,” he stated.
“What we have seen reaches to help many pensioners and feel that they are eligible for pension credits, which is a passport for other benefits. So in this regard it will actually spend more to the government.”
Winter gas funds had been created in 1997 to assist everybody above the state pension age with their Winter Heating Bill.
Chancellor, Rachel Raves introduced final 12 months that Winter 2024 wouldn’t be eligible for the primary time pensioner in England and Wales fee.
Northern Ireland was compelled to comply with the swimsuit.
Payments had been then restricted to these on revenue and pension credit score.
With inputs from BBC