Cost of living crisis – Here for you
We’re living in uncertain times with the cost of living increasing and the Winter ahead of us.
It’s totally natural to feel concerned about the situation.
We’ve put together some information to help you.
Remember that our team are always here to help and provide advice and support.
Are you worried about your financial situation?
If you are worried about your financial situation and not sure how you’ll manage to pay your bills and rent – help is available.
Our Team are here to help and refer you to help from other places.
Get in touch with us as soon as possible if:
- you’re worried about your financial situation
- you’ve lost your job
- you’re worried about how you’re going to pay all of your bills
Our Team have years of experience and a lot of information to help you find solutions to your worries.
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Grants
Here is a list of grants that might be available to you and your family.
Energy grant
Anyone paying an electricity bill will get £400 taken off their energy account in the autumn. It won’t be paid as cash – it will be applied as a discount on your bill, and you won’t have to repay it.
This replaces the previous scheme where there would be a £200 payment applied to accounts that would then have to be repaid over 5 years.
There are many scams via email and texts about this grant.
There is no need for anyone to apply for this grant or give any personal details to receive it. It will be sent to your energy provider automatically.
Grants for Pensioners
Anyone who is pension age on or before 25 September 2022 (born on or before 25 September 1956) will get an extra £300 on top of the £200-300 Winter Fuel Payment. Most people who get this will receive payment by direct debit in November or December 2022.
Grants for disabled people
There will be an extra £150 payment to people who get disability benefits. If you get one of these payments, you will receive it:
- Disability Living allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
- Scottish Adult Disability Payment
- Scottish Child Disability Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- War Pension Mobility Supplement
- This payment will go out in September
It will be paid in the same way as your disability benefit. For most people, this will be by a transfer into their bank account.
Low income households
£650 will be paid in two instalments to households getting one of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
It will be paid automatically the same way you usually get your benefits – so if you get direct transfers into your bank account that is how it will be paid. You will only get one lot of £650, even if you’re receiving several of the benefits on this list.
The first instalment went out in July. The government hasn’t published information about the second instalment yet, but should be in the Autumn. These payments will not affect other benefits.
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Energy Wardens
How our Energy Wardens can help you
- help with using less energy at home
- explain bills
- explain tariffs
- help you look for a better deal with a different company
- help you change energy company
- discuss your bills with energy companies
- help you apply for grants
- show you how to use your heating system effectively
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Struggling to pay bills
If you’re struggling to pay your bills you can receive free and impartial advice on how you can keep warm and save money here:
Gwynedd Council – Housing Benefit
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Food Banks
Food Banks across Gwynedd provide emergency food boxes for people and families in need.
If you need the service contact your local Food Bank.
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Citizens Advice
A charity that provides free confidential advice to help people with legal matters, debts, housing and much more.
They are here to help you.
Not to judge you.
They have years of experience. We often work with Citizens Advice to help customers with financial problems.
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Financial support from The Welsh Government
The Welsh Government has brought everything together in one place so you can find out what kind of support is available to you on issues such as:
Water Bills
Gas and Electricity Bills
Winter Fuel Support Scheme
Banks, credit cards and loans
Free school meals
Childcare supportThe full information can be found on the Welsh Government website.
Get help with the cost of living
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Warm Spaces
Warm Spaces – Croeso Cynnes
Is the house cold? Fancy a chat or a cup of tea?
A number of locations across Gwynedd want to offer a warm welcome for anyone to come in for a warm shelter, chat and a cup of tea.
Click here to see a map with all the “Warm Space” near you
The map is updated with new warm spaces regularly. If you need the information in a different format please contact us: croesocynnes@gwynedd.llyw.cymru
More information on Gwynedd Council’s website.