Cost of Living Support

 
Across the country prices are going up – we’re all feeling it, particularly when it comes to food and energy. We have put together the following list of support services that may be available to you.

Help for everyone

These schemes are widely available and you don’t need to do anything to benefit – they’ll be applied automatically.

• Energy Bills Support Scheme

  This is a £400 grant from the government that all households with a domestic electricity supply will receive. You don’t need to apply for it, your energy company will apply it to your bills in the autumn.

  Some of the homes we manage do not have a domestic electricity supply and receive all their heat and power on a communal bill. The government has confirmed this support will be extended to people on communal bills but have not yet clarified how this will be administered.

• Welsh Government Fuel Support Scheme 2022/23

  Eligible households living in Pembrokeshire can claim a one-off £200 payment

  The payment will be available to all eligible households (one payment per household) however you pay for your fuel, whether that is, for example, on a pre-payment meter, by direct debit or by paying a bill quarterly and can be claimed regardless of whether you are using on or off-grid fuel.

  Applicants can only claim for the payment for a property in Wales and only where this property is their primary residence.  

  This payment is in addition to the Energy Bill rebate being offered by the UK Government and the Winter Fuel Payment normally paid to pensioners by the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions).

  The Council has paid the £200.00 Fuel Support Payment to approximately 7000 eligible households who are in receipt of the means tested council tax reduction and who have recently received the £150 cost of living payment.

  This payment has been issued to the same nominated bank account, as the cost of living payment.  Payment should be credited to this account by 3.10.22.

  If you have not received this payment by 3.10.22 you may be one of the households we could not pay automatically.  You will therefore need to apply using this link.

Help for people on lower incomes

If your household has a lower income level, for example if your of pensionable age, or are eligible for means tested benefits, there is some extra support available as well as the above items:

• Warm home discount

  If you get guarantee credit element of pension credit, or some other means tested benefits you may be eligible for a one-off discount of £150 from your energy supplier between October and March.

  Your energy company will make decisions as to who is eligible for the discount. You should contact them if you think you’re eligible to make sure they are aware of your claim.

  You can find more information at the Ofgem website.

• Winter fuel payment

  If you are of state pension age and under 80 years of age you will receive a one-off payment of £200 per household. If you are over 80 the payment is £300. 

  You do not have to do anything to get this payment. 

  This is true but this year pensioners get additional payments, see below.

• Pensioner Cost of Living Payment

  If you’re entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2022 to 2023, you will get an extra £300 for your household paid with your normal payment from November 2022. This is in addition to any Cost of Living Payment you get with your benefit or tax credits.

  The full amount of Winter Fuel Payment you will get for winter 2022 to 2023 depends on your circumstances. These amounts are for winter 2022 to 2023 only.

  Click here for guidance

• Discretionary Assistance Fund

  The government has set aside funds for people who need extra assistance with essentials like food, energy and clothing. To access the fund you need to apply directly through the Welsh Government

Help from other sources

Everyone’s situation will be different but if you are struggling with day to day living costs, there are some options you could explore and we have listed them below.

In Pembrokeshire a good place to start is the Community Hub. You can also call them on 01437 723660

• Contact your water provider to see if you are eligible for a social tariff – you may be able to reduce your costs through Welsh Water HelpU Tariff.
• Contact your Broadband provider to see if they have a social tariff that you could switch to – you may be able to reduce your costs
• Pembrokeshire Community Hub are able to provide free mobile data to people over 18 who are eligible – 01437 732660 or [email protected]
• Check out Martin Lewis the Money Saving Expert for a range of ways to save money – his latest article shows 90 ways to survive the cost of living crisis
• Check whether you may be eligible for any other grants or financial assistance by looking at the Turn2Us website 
• If you need the support of a Foodbank. There are two foodbanks in Pembrokeshire, contact us, or the Pembrokeshire Hub, or Citizens Advice to request a voucher.
• There are Community Fridges at Merlins Bridge – Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock (St Govan’s Shopping Centre) supported by Pembrokeshire Frame.
• For help with debts you should speak to StepChange Debt charity or Pembrokeshire Citizens Advice

Useful Links