On Thursday, Stormont ministers approved a support package which means that households with a total income of £30,000 or less or those on certain benefits will receive a £100 payment to go towards their home heating oil.
The communities minister said the payment will be available during the summer at the earliest.
Speaking on Radio Ulster, Gordon Lyons said: “I understand this is not enough, I understand that this will take time, but we have limited levers at our disposal, we’re trying our best.”
Brewer is not eligible to apply, but said “it would help” if he could.
He said he has spoken to many of his coworkers who feel like “our backs are against the wall” and feel “scared to turn their heating on”.
“They’re trying to make it last because they don’t know if they’re going to be able to get to work with their fuel. And they’re skimping and scraping in the house, with their food even.
He said: “I’ve heard actually a few this morning tell me they’re double layering in the house and not turning on their heat just so they can afford their fuel just to go to work.