The cost of living crisis is having a devastating impact on people in Newport West and times are very difficult at the moment. My office continues to support people across Newport West, so if you have a query or need assistance please contact us on ruth.jones.mp@parliament.uk or 01633 256268.
I have compiled a list of useful links below, to ensure that you are getting all the support you need.
Firstly, check that you’re receiving all the benefits you’re entitled to by heading to: http://benefits-calculator-2.turn2us.org.uk
Since May 2021, 25% of Welsh households have borrowed money, whilst 12% of Welsh households are at least one month behind on a bill. If you have any money worries, Step Change can help you. Step Change is a listed charity that helps you deal with your debt in a manageable way. Head to their website: https://www.stepchange.org
Help with Heating
Warm Home Discount Scheme
You could get £140 off your electricity bill for winter 2021 to 2022 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
The money is not paid to you – it’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill, between October and March.
You may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity. Contact your supplier to find out.
The Winter Fuel Support Scheme
As part of support package of over £50m to address immediate pressures on living costs, Welsh Government has made available over £38 million through a Winter Fuel Support Scheme.
The scheme will provide a one-off £100 cash payment to one working age household member responsible for utility bills.
The payment will be available to all eligible households regardless of whether they pay for their on-grid fuel on a pre-payment meter, by direct debit or by paying a bill quarterly.
You must be in receipt of a certain welfare benefit at any time between 1st December 2021 and 31st January 2022.
- Income Support
- Income Based Job Seekers Allowance
- Income Based Employment & Support Allowance
- Universal Credit
- Working Tax Credits
Applications are open until midnight on 18 February 2022.
Winter Fuel Payment
If you were born on or before 26 September 1955 you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’.
This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).
You will get your Winter Fuel Payment automatically (you do not need to claim) if you’re eligible and either:
- get the State Pension
- get another social security benefit (not Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit or Universal Credit)
If you do not get either of these, or if you live abroad, you may need to make a claim.
If you’ve got a Winter Fuel Payment before, you do not need to claim again unless you’ve deferred your State Pension or moved abroad.
The deadline for you to make a claim for winter 2021 to 2022 is 31 March 2022.
The Energy Hardship Fund
If you’re a Social Housing/Housing Association tenant, you may be able to receive help from the Energy Hardship Fund. PayPoint fuel vouchers of £28 and £49 are funded from donations to the trust.
To find out more, contact your Housing Association or Social Landlord.
Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF)
If you are experiencing extreme financial hardship, you might also wish to make a claim to the Discretionary Assistance Fund.
Find out more here
Cold Weather Payment
You may get a Cold Weather Payment if you’re getting certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest.
You’ll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below over 7 consecutive days. You’ll get £25 for each 7 day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March.
The Cold Weather Payment scheme runs from 1 November 2021 to 31 March 2022.
Check if you can get a payment in your area.