Troubles victims’ pension scheme extended by two years

The scheme, also known as the victims’ pension, was originally set up in law by the Westminster government in 2020 to provide pensions to people who suffered physically and/or psychologically during the Troubles.

The level of payment could range from about £2,000 to £10,000 per year, depending on the extent of the applicant’s disability.

The scheme will be open in total for five years from the date it first launched on 31 August 2021.

It is being run by the Victims’ Payment Board, external, which determines each application and administers the fund.

However, some victims’ groups have been critical of the decision-making process and the length of time it takes.

In January, BBC News NI reported that more than 40 people who applied to the scheme have died before any decision was made.

As of December 2023, a total of 6,209 applications had been received by the board.