Cost of living increase

Cost of living increase

The increase in the cost of living is affecting many of our tenants. We have put together some information and guidance to help you throughout this time. Click here for the 'Cost of Living Helper' guide by Hyde.

If you need further information or guidance, our Financial Inclusion Officers are available to provide support. You can contact them here financialinclusion@newydd.co.uk.

Below, you will find several grants that are available to you, or your family members:

Pension Credit

The Department for Work and Pensions has launched a campaign to boost Pension Credit take-up, potentially worth £3,900 per year for pensioners. With 880,000 pensioners missing out, the Pension Credit Week of Action aims to raise awareness and increase claims. Eligible pensioners will also automatically receive the Winter Fuel Payment.

  • Pensioners need to be entitled to Pension Credit for at least one day in week September 16 to 22 to be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment for this winter.
  • 21 December is the last date for backdating a claim for Pension Credit to 22 September, assuming the claimant met the Pension Credit entitlement conditions throughout the previous three months.

How to Claim page on GOV.UK or over the phone by calling 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm).   

If you need any assistance, you can contact the Financial Inclusion Team.

Struggling to pay your fuel bills?

Your energy bills will continue to rise this year.  If you are finding this difficult to manage you, can receive free and impartial advice on how you can keep warm and save money from:

Benefits

There are various benefits to help if you are on a low income. You can check your benefit entitlement by carrying out a benefit check using these websites:

The Discretionary Assistance Fund - Welsh Government

This is a grant to help with essential costs after an emergency, or if you have experienced a disaster such as a flood or fire in your home, or extreme financial hardship for reasons including delays in benefit payments. The payment will help you cover the cost of food, gas and electricity, clothing and emergency travel. 

The fund is not designed to cover ongoing financial shortfalls. For more information or to apply click here.

Foodbanks

If you need food supplies and are struggling to afford it you can contact the Financial Inclusion Team to request a voucher. For more information on the foodbanks click here. 

Debt

If you are need of support with debt you can contact a registered company such as Citizens Advice or Step Change.

Broadband Social Tariff and Help for Households

This is a new service and will be run by the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) for benefit claimants to get cheaper broadband. If the claimant gives permission to their broadband supplier they will be able to contact DWP to verify their entitlement to certain benefits including Universal Credit. The Government has called on all broadband suppliers to offer discounted broadband and mobile deals to people on Universal Credit and other benefits. Claimants are advised to check with their provider whether they are supporting the scheme

Cheaper broadband and phone packages - Ofcom

Local Authority support

If you’re struggling at any point, you can ask your council if they have a scheme that could help you. Different councils have set up different schemes, but they have been provided with money to help people who are struggling and to run discretionary funding schemes.

Your local authority may be able to provide you with support. For more information on School closures, emergency childcare, free school meals and advice for parents please follow the link for your local authority.

Rhonnda Cynon Taf

Vale of Glamorgan

Neath Port Talbot

Cardiff

Powys