Benefits and Financial Support
If you’re nearing the end of life because of an illness you may get benefits at a higher rate, extra money or quicker payments by a process known as ‘special rules for end of life.’ Please visit the Department for Communities webpage on: The Special Rules: how the benefit system supports people nearing the end of life
You can also check which benefits you may be entitled to by contacting the Department of Communities: Unclaimed benefits? Make the call | nidirect
Further information on benefits and financial support is available on the websites below:
- NI Direct: Benefits if you are nearing the end of life | nidirect
- Macmillan Cancer Support– Managing money at the end of life: Managing money at the end of life
- Marie Curie – Terminal illness benefits and finances: Terminal illness benefits and finances
- Advice NI – An independent advice network in Northern Ireland which also offer a Debt Advice service: www.adviceni.net / Tel: 028 9064 5919
- The Office of Care and Protection – helps people without mental capacity manage their property and financial affairs, under Part VIII of the Mental Health Order NI 1986: www.justice-ni.gov.uk / Tel: 0300 200 7812
Energy Support
Energy Suppliers have an obligation to support vulnerable consumers and hold Vulnerable Consumer Registers and Medical Registers. A household can request to be added to these registers to be entitled to additional support and consumer protection. Please contact your energy supplier to be added to their register.
NI Energy Advice Service offer free independent and impartial energy advice including advice about energy grants and other sources of help to domestic householders in Northern Ireland. You can visit their website at this link: The Housing Executive – Energy Query
For further information on support with energy costs please visit the links below:
- Consumer Council – Support with energy costs: Support with high energy costs | Consumer Council
- Utility Regulator – Supplier contact information: Supplier contact information | Utility Regulator
Northern Ireland Water offer a range of free additional services if you are an older consumer, have a serious medical condition or need extra help for any other reason. You can visit their webpage for further information at this link: Customer Care Register – Northern Ireland Water
Household Support
You may be able to get support with essential costs from your local council. This is sometimes known as ‘the Household Support Fund’ and could help if you’re struggling to afford things like energy and water bills, food and essential items. Check with your local council to find out what support is available: Find your local council – GOV.UK
For further information on support with food costs and household bills please visit the links below:
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- Trussell – Ending Hunger Together – The Trussell community of more than 1,400 food banks offer compassion, advice and practical support to people left without enough money to live on. Visit Find a food bank | Trussell for further information.
- Consumer Council – Support with food costs: Support with food costs | Consumer Council