The Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025 - screening
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Date published:
On 9 June 2025 the UK Government announced its intention to increase the level at which Winter Fuel Payments are means tested from winter 2025/26. Moving to a universal benefit increases the numbers entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment.
In 2023-24, 307,500 pensioners in Northern Ireland received Winter Fuel Payments. Using the estimated growth in the pensioner population per NISRA population projections, in 2025-26, 336,600 pensioners will receive a Winter Fuel Payment.
Existing/Revised/New: Revised
Date of Screening: 26/08/2025
Screening Outcome - Full EQIA recommended: No