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 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:

• Pembrokeshire County Council Community Hub - Help with the cost of living

  The Pembrokeshire Community Hub has been set up to help with financial difficulties.

  Visit their website for more information: Cost of living – Pembrokeshire County Council

  Or call 01437 723660 and one of their specialist advisors will be happy to help.

  (open Monday – Thursday 9am – 4.30pm & Friday 9am – 4pm)

• Warm home discount

  The Warm Home Discount is a government program that helps eligible households cover their high winter energy bills. Here are the key points for 2024-2025:

  1. The government will write to eligible households between October and December 2024.
  2. Most eligible households will receive the discount automatically.
  3. Some customers may need to get in touch with the Government Helpline to confirm eligibility.
  4. If asked to do so, customers must get in touch by 28 February 2025.
  5. The discount is £150 towards energy bills before 31 March 2025.

  Find out more: https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme

• Winter fuel payment

  The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free payment for households that include someone born on or before 22 September 1958 (for 2024-25) and receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or an award of Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit of at least £26 for the tax year 2024-25. 

  Eligible recipients could receive either £200 or £300 to help pay heating bills for winter 2024 to 2025.

  Find out more: https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment

• Pensioner Cost of Living Payment

  Pensioners remain eligible for the Household Support Fund which in March was extended by the previous government for six months, and has subsequently been extended for a further six months, to at least April 2025, by the new government.

• 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
• ateb Group are able to provide free mobile data to people over 18 who are eligible – call us on 0800 854568 
• Check out Martin Lewis the Money Saving Expert for a range of ways to save money.
• 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