Troubles Victims' Pension Keeps 30 August Deadline as 300-400 More May Qualify
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Aug 12
Troubles Victims' Pension Keeps 30 August Deadline as 300-400 More May Qualify
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Aug 12
Summary
30 August remains the closing date for new applications to Northern Ireland's Troubles permanent disability payment scheme, despite criticism that a May court judgment widened eligibility and warranted a three- to six-month extension.
Joe McVey, the victims and survivors commissioner, said one group alone believes 300-400 additional people could now qualify, blaming a funding disconnect between Westminster and the Northern Ireland Executive.
Victims' groups including Relatives for Justice and SEFF said the cutoff leaves too little time to reach newly eligible applicants, especially those outside Northern Ireland, and risks compounding trauma and isolation.
The Northern Ireland Office said late applications can still be considered in exceptional circumstances; the Executive Office said the secretary of state alone had the power to extend the scheme and did not seek its view.
The scheme, launched in 2021, has received 14,000 applications and paid out about £154 million to roughly 4,000 people, though campaigners still criticize delays and uncertainty over funding.