Only one card is allowed per address, and it does not affect any benefits you get.
Quick facts
- Amount
- £100 digital pre-paid card
- Main heating
- Must be home heating oil
- Income route
- Net income below £30,000
- Apply by
- 31 March 2027
- Per address
- One card
- Helpline
- 0800 072 0266
Who can get it — the full rules
You need to use home heating oil as your main heating source to be eligible for the scheme. For at least one day of either qualifying period you also need to be resident in Northern Ireland and either:
- getting a qualifying benefit: Pension Credit, Universal Credit, income-related ESA, DLA, PIP, Attendance Allowance, Armed Forces Independence Payment, or Constant Attendance Allowance
- or a single person or part of a couple with a net annual income below £30,000 after tax, National Insurance or pension contributions, including pensioners
The qualifying periods are any day between 1 and 30 April 2026, or between 1 and 30 November 2026.
How to apply
You must make an application as awards for the home heating oil support scheme will not be made automatically. You will need to apply before the scheme closes on 31 March 2027. Only one person should apply in each residential address.
You need a National Insurance number, your household income if you are not on a qualifying benefit, and an email address or smartphone number. It takes about 10 minutes. For help, phone the oil scheme helpline on 0800 072 0266, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.
Applying for someone else
You can apply for someone else if a child you are responsible for gets DLA, if the person needs support to apply, or if you are their appointee or have power of attorney.
Who may not qualify
You may not be eligible if, for the whole of the qualifying period, you lived in a nursing home, care home or supported housing, were a hospital in-patient or a prisoner, or were outside Northern Ireland.
Save on oil all year
The Housing Executive's free NI Energy Advice service runs the Oil Savings Network, which negotiates oil prices for its members. Call 0800 111 4455. You do not need to be a Housing Executive tenant.
Common questions
How much is the Home Heating Oil Support Scheme?
A £100 digital pre-paid card, one per address.
Is the £100 oil payment automatic?
No. You must apply online before 31 March 2027.
Can I get the oil payment if I am not on benefits?
Yes, if oil is your main heating and your net annual income is below £30,000.