Financial Help
We understand that many residents may be struggling to cope with the rising cost of living, particularly with food and energy costs.
There are various forms of help that may be available – from additional payments from the council or discounts on things like your Council Tax, to support from partners such as food vouchers, energy grants and help managing debt.
HOUSING
Whether you’re a tenant in the social sector or private sector, it’s important that you talk to your landlord at the earliest opportunity if you think you will have difficulty paying your rent and bills, as they may be able to help you.
You could also be entitled to the following to help with your housing costs.
Discretionary Housing Payments
This applies to both social and private sector tenants.
These can provide extra money when your local authority decides that you need extra help to meet your housing costs on top of what benefit support you already receive through the DWP.
To get a Discretionary Housing Payment, you will need to either already be receiving the old scheme Housing Benefit or the housing cost contribution element through Universal Credit.
To access a Discretionary Housing Payment please contact your local authority.
Other support for housing costs
If you are not in receipt of Housing Benefit or the housing cost contribution element through Universal Credit, but are of working age, on a low income and are struggling with housing related costs, your local authority may be able to assist to prevent you becoming homeless.
To find out more about the support you may be eligible for, please contact your local authority.
Council Tax Reduction Scheme
If your household is on a low income, you could receive support towards some, or all of your Council Tax bill through the Council Tax Reduction Scheme.
FINANCIAL HELP
Discretionary Assistance Fund
A fund of last resort intended to support people experiencing extreme hardship. The fund is offering greater flexibility for people impacted by the cost of living crisis.
You can apply online to the Discretionary Assistance Fund for an Emergency Assistance Payment (EAP) or by calling free on 0800 859 5924. EAPs are awarded to help with essential costs when in extreme financial hardship.
The payment is intended to help cover the cost of food, gas and electricity, clothing and emergency travel. Support is also provided for individuals who need support with costs for off-grid fuel.
Cost of Living Support Scheme
The £150 cost of living support payment is being provided to all households in properties in council tax bands A to D, and all households which receive support from the Council Tax Reduction Scheme regardless of their council tax band.
Payments will be made as a single payment directly into people’s bank accounts if the local authority holds that information. Where this information is not held, eligible households will need to complete a simple registration form. Local authorities will contact all eligible households to ask for the necessary details.
Separately, the Welsh Government is also providing a £25m discretionary fund to local authorities. This will allow councils to help people they consider to be in need of assistance, providing discretionary support as deemed appropriate to address local needs.
WELLBEING
Live Fear Free
Live Fear Free provides easy to access, confidential information and advice to all victims and survivors of violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence and those close to them, including family, friends and colleagues on a variety of matters which may be relevant to your situation.
It is open 24/7, is free and will not show up on phone bills.
There are 4 ways to make contact:
By phone: 0808 80 10 800
Text service: 07860 077333
E-mail: info@livefearfreehelpline.wales
NHS healthcare costs
Eligible persons can get free dental treatment, eye tests and help with other NHS costs. Find out more:
Get help with NHS healthcare costs.
BENEFITS
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs which is paid monthly. You may be eligible to apply if you are working but on a low income, out of work or you cannot work.
For those who cannot use digital services, applications can be made over the phone:
Universal Credit Helpline: 0800 328 5644
Welsh language: 0800 328 1744
If you need help to make a claim for Universal Credit Citizen’s Advice can help you. Call free on 08000 241 220 or contact them online.
Employment and Support Allowance
If you are ill you may be able to get New Style Employment and Support Allowance, either on its own or at the same time as Universal Credit.
Job Seeker’s Allowance
You might be eligible for New Style Job Seeker’s Allowance to help you when you look for work, either on its own or at the same time as Universal Credit. If you’re unemployed or work less than 16 hours a week you may be able to get New Style Job Seeker’s Allowance.
Personal Independence Payment
Personal Independence Payment can help you with some of the extra costs if you are disabled or have a long term health condition.
Find out more information on Personal Independence Payment (on GOV.UK) or you can make a claim by calling free on 0800 917 2222.
Statutory Sick Pay
If you are employed and are ill you may be eligible to claim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), which will help you towards your living costs, or to pay your rent and bills. If you’re employed but your earnings are too low to claim SSP, you may be able to claim Universal Credit to help you towards your living costs and afford your rent and bills.
Pension Credit
Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges.
You might get extra help if you’re a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person.
Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension. You can get Pension Credit even if you have other income, savings or own your own home.
Or you can apply by phone if you prefer. A friend or family member can call for you if you cannot use the phone.
CONTACTS
Citizen’s Advice Cymru
Citizen’s Advice Cymru offers free, confidential advice on a range of issues including money, debt and benefits. To speak to an adviser, please call 03444 77 20 20 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) or to access information and/or talk to adviser online.
If you are self-isolating and friends or neighbours are not able to help, please contact your local volunteer centre (County Voluntary Council) for help and advice.
Care and Repair
Care and Repair provides information, advice and practical services that help older people in Wales stay safe, warm and well at home. They fit disability aids and adaptations, supply home maintenance services, help maximise income and access grants, and make homes safe to return to from hospital.
To find out more, call 0300 111 3333.
Even if you think that you do not ordinarily qualify for financial support you could now be eligible for some help with day to day living costs.