Financial help and support

We all face rising costs in food, energy prices, inflation on goods and services and anxiety over budgeting at home. We have put together some information and guidance to help you throughout this time.

It is really important to let us know if you are struggling to pay your rent as there are lots of ways we can help you and your family.

Welsh Government’s Claim Whats Yours

The rising cost of living is a worry to a lot of people in Wales. The Welsh Government has support available that could help you ease some of your living costs.

If you are unsure about what support is available to you, Advicelink Cymru can help you check what you are entitled to and to claim what’s yours Visit: https://www.gov.wales/claim-whats-yours-campaign to find out more or call Advicelink Cymru for free on 0808 250 5700.

Help with housings costs

There are a number of benefits that can help to pay your housing costs:

• Universal Credit – This benefit is aimed at those who are of working age. You can find more more information on the Turn2Us website.
• Housing Benefit – If you are on a low income you may be able to apply for Housing Benefit to help with rent costs and/ or Council Tax Reduction to help with council tax costs. You can make an application by clicking on the applicable area: Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire, Bridgend, Rhonnda Cynon Taf.
• Discretionary Housing Payments – These payments can be made to top up your housing benefit or universal credit. They can cover all sorts of shortfalls but typically the bedroom tax, benefit cap or a non-dependent deduction. You can make an application by clicking on the applicable area. Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taf. For Neath Port Talbot, please contact your Community Housing Officer or call us on 01792 479200.

Food

More and more people need to access a foodbank, you can find one here. If you require a foodbank voucher please contact your Community Housing Officer or call 01792 479200.

Household bills

There are lots of ways to reduce your household bills:

• Cheaper Water Bills
• Warm Home Discount
• An advance payment of Universal Credit
• Household items or emergency cash
• Reduced phone and Internet – BT / Virgin Media / EE

Debt Advice

Seek independent debt advice as soon as possible and ensure the company you are dealing with has access to all debt solutions:

• StepChange
• National Debtline
• Citizens Advice

Health

• Help with the cost of medicine, dental care and glasses.
• Help for new families 
• Disability Grants