When the payment was announced, it was welcomed by campaigners, but also branded as “clearly not enough”.
Lyons said that after “the unexpected and unwelcome news” of the cuts, he “moved to secure executive funding to mitigate the impact of the decision”.
He said the money will “be in people’s accounts ahead of the expected end-of-March date”.
“Whilst I realise the payment will not fully cover the impact of changes to the winter fuel payment, I hope it will go some way to supporting those affected.”
Lyons added that the £100 payment was “testament” to his commitment “to ensure that those who are most in need are supported”.
“Whilst the budgetary situation is challenging for all, I will take whatever actions possible to direct resources to where they are most needed,” he said.
