NI cancer patients urged to apply for help with heating oil costs

14 February 2012

Posted by Neil Brunskill

Cancer patients in Northern Ireland have been urged to ensure they apply for assistance that is available to help them with their heating oil bills.

Any individual who has received surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or palliative care for the illness between June 13th 2011 and December 2011 are eligible for a grant of £100 to help meet energy costs, as are those for whom a decision was made for treatment in the week from December 12th to 18th.

Around 4,500 applications for the one-off help have been submitted so far, but health minister Edwin Poots has urged anyone who thinks they fit the criteria to contact their local health centre.

"The physical affects of cancer and cancer treatments means that many people suffering with cancer face increased financial difficulties," he said, adding: "This payment will go some way towards easing that burden."

Earlier this month, individuals in Northern Ireland were also encouraged by Housing minister Nelson McCausland to see if they are eligible for a new heating system under the Boiler Replacement Allowance initiative.

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