A fund to support families with children on free school meals will be paid directly to parents for as long as the schools remain closed due to coronavirus.
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey and Education Minister Peter Weir said that almost 97,000 children who are entitled to free school meals will benefit from the fund.
"My Department is leading on plans to ensure that low income families and vulnerable people get the vital support they need in response to the Coronavirus outbreak", said Minister Hargey.
Families will receive £2.70 per child per day for each day of term the schools are closed. The money will be paid on a fortnightly basis.
Education Minister, Peter Weir said it was "very welcome news" for those families who are struggling financially.
From next week the Education Authority will process payments in the same way they do for uniform grants.
"The Education Authority already has the bank details for the vast majority of those in receipt of free school meals so there is no need for anyone to apply", said Minister Weir.
Families for whom bank details are not held will be contacted via a text message early next week and advised to complete an online form.
