Wales Fuel Support Applications Open
As of today, eligible households can claim a one-off £200 cash payment from their local authority. The money is to provide support towards paying fuel bills. This is in addition to the winter fuel payment offered by the UK Government. Maybe you are self-employed on working tax credits or a member of your family is eligible, we want to share the news that today this scheme opened in Wales for applications.
The payment will be available to all eligible energy customers regardless of how they pay for fuel. This includes payments made on a pre-payment meter, by direct debit, paid quarterly or for those who use off-grid fuel. This scheme is part of a £90m support package to address immediate pressures on living costs. The aim of the Welsh Government fuel support scheme is to reduce the impact of the rising cost of energy and the cost-of-living crisis. This particular scheme affects the low-income households to avoid them choosing between heating and eating.
The scheme will be open to households where an applicant, or their partner is in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits at any time between 1 September 2022 and 31 January 2023:
- Income Support
- Income Based Job Seekers Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Universal Credit
- Working Tax Credits
- Child Tax Credits
- Pension Credit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carers Allowance
- Contributory Benefits
- Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- War Pension Mobility Supplement
Receipt of Carers Allowance includes those people who are being paid Carers Allowance and people who have claimed Carers Allowance but due to the overlapping benefit rules do not receive it as a cash benefit, for example they have an underlying entitlement to Carers Allowance. Applicants must also be responsible for paying the energy bills for the property.
How to apply
Applications can be made to local authorities via their website when the scheme opens on 26 September 2022.
Other support
If you are experiencing financial hardship you may wish to make a claim to the Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF). Information sourced from Gov Wales: https://gov.wales/wales-fuel-support-scheme-2022-2023
Let’s Talk
For help calculating your finances if you are self-employed, contact a member of your team on Let’s Talk.
