The £100 Home Heating Oil Support Scheme, announced by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, has gone live and is expected to assist around 340,000 households that use oil as their main source of heating. One digital card will be issued per eligible household.

Minister Lyons said: "The £100 Home Heating Oil Support Scheme is now live for applications. I am urging all those who believe they may be eligible, or those assisting them, to check the criteria on nidirect and make an application. The process is easy and fast.

"The digital pre-paid card will go some way to meeting the challenge of rising fuel costs and will benefit those who need it most as we head into the colder months."

Households can qualify if oil is their primary heating source and they either receive a qualifying income-related benefit or a disability benefit, or have an annual household income of less than £30,000 after allowable deductions (for single people or couples, including pensioners).

Applications opened at 00:01 on Wednesday 9 September 2026 and close on 31 March 2027.

Minister Lyons continued: "Support and advice is available from my Department by phone for those who cannot make an online application.

"I realise this one-off support will not by itself remedy the issue of long term fuel poverty, however I hope that it will go some way to easing the burden on hard-pressed households across Northern Ireland.

"The Consumer Council website provides a daily Home Heating Oil Price Checker, providing transparent, real-time pricing information to help consumers compare oil prices across Northern Ireland, allowing them to make informed purchasing decisions. The NI Housing Executive runs oil buying clubs that can also assist."

The Minister added: "My Department has put in place a robust scheme that includes strong counter-fraud measures whilst making use of technology so that applications are processed as quickly as possible. In some cases, we may need to request additional information; however, the vast majority of applications will be processed quickly through an automated system." Noyona Chundur, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland, said: "Now that the £100 Home Heating Oil Support Scheme is open, we would encourage all eligible households to apply. With household budgets continuing to be stretched by ongoing cost pressures, this support can help ease some of the financial burden and contribute towards the cost of home heating oil which has gone up in price over the last few days.

"Consumers can also use the Consumer Council's free daily Home Heating Oil Price Checker to compare prices across Northern Ireland and help ensure households are making a more informed decision when ordering home heating oil."

Advice NI, funded by the Department for Communities, also urged eligible people to come forward. CEO Fiona Magee said: "Advice NI and our network of independent advice centres are here to help people access the support they are entitled to.

"We know some schemes can be challenging, particularly for people who are vulnerable or digitally excluded. Our advisers can help people check their eligibility and complete applications.

"We encourage anyone who thinks they may qualify to visit nidirect or contact Advice NI for support.

"Remember to apply before the deadline, then activate and redeem your digital pre-paid card."

Housing Executive Chair Nicole Lappin said: "We welcome the introduction of the Home Heating Oil Support Scheme to help those struggling with the affordability of home heating oil.

"The Housing Executive offers additional support through our Oil Savings Network, which helps members save on average between £10 - £30 on 200 litres of oil."

"To join simply email NIenergyadvice@nihe.gov.uk."

The £36.4 million scheme comprises £17.2 million provided by the UK Government and £19.2 million from the Executive.

To apply or find out more, visit NI Direct. Those needing further assistance can contact staff across the Jobs and Benefits Office network or call the Home Heating Oil Support Scheme helpline on 0800 072 0266. The Department's Make the Call (0800 232 1271) and Veterans Support Service (0800 158 5556) are also available, and Advice NI can be reached on its Freephone helpline (0800 915 4604).