Financial and energy support available to Conwy residents this winter

• £650 means tested cost of living payment

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cost-of-living-payment

There is no need to apply, it is paid automatically depending on what benefit you receive.

If you're on any of the following benefits, you need to have received a payment on any date between 26 April and 25 May 2022 to qualify:

• Child tax credit
• Income-based jobseeker's allowance
• Income-related employment and support allowance
• Income support
• Universal credit
• Working tax credit
• Pension credit

If an expected payment isn’t made, click this link: https://secure.dwp.gov.uk/report-a-missing-cost-of-living-payment/welcome

*You will not get a payment if you get New Style Employment and Support Allowance, contributory Employment and Support Allowance, or New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance, unless you get Universal Credit.
   

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• £400 Energy Bills Support Scheme

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/energy-bills-support-scheme-explainer

Non means tested and available to all domestic electricity households. The amount will be applied automatically between October and March at a rate of approximately £66 per month APART FROM pre-pay customers without smart meters. If you do not have a smart pre-payment meter, your energy supplier should inform you of how to redeem the voucher (which will be emailed/texted). If your energy supplier doesn’t have these details, it’s important you call them now.

*Please note that Payzone outlets CANNOT accept the vouchers.

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• Welsh Government £200 Winter Fuel Support Scheme

https://gov.wales/wales-winter-fuel-support-scheme-2022-2023

The scheme will be open to households where an applicant is in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits any time between 1 December 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)

Applicants must also be responsible for paying the energy bills for the property. If you are eligible, you should receive a letter or an email from Conwy County Borough Council inviting you to apply for the payment. This one-off payment of £200 isn’t made automatically.

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• Welsh Government Cost of Living Support Payment

https://www.conwy.gov.uk/en/Resident/Council-Tax/Cost-of-Living-Support-Payment.aspx

This is a one off £150 payment to all residential properties in council tax bands A to D and to all households who are recipients of the Council Tax Reduction Scheme who live in properties in council tax bands (A-I). If you are eligible, it should be issued automatically as a BACS transfer.

The Cost-of-Living Support Payment scheme is now closed.

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• Cold Weather Payments

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/cold-weather-payments/

This £25 payment is activated (depending on your benefits) in the event of a seven day period of freezing weather. If you are eligible, it should be paid automatically.

If you've not received your cold weather payment, but think you're eligible, let you local pension centre or Jobcentre Plus office know. They can check and sort it out for you.

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• Welsh Government Discretionary Assistance Fund

https://gov.wales/discretionary-assistance-fund-daf

The Discretionary Assistance Fund provides 2 types of grant that you do not need to pay back.

Emergency Assistance Payment (EAP)

A grant to help pay for essential costs, such as food, gas, electricity, clothing or emergency travel if you:

• are experiencing extreme financial hardship
• have lost your job
• have applied for benefits and are waiting for your first payment

You cannot use it to pay for ongoing bills that you cannot afford to pay.

Individual Assistance Payment (IAP)

A grant to help you or someone you care for live independently in their home or a property that you or they are moving into.

What you can use the grant for

Use the grant to pay for:

• a fridge, cooker or washing machine and other ‘white goods’
• home furniture such as beds, sofas and chairs

There are a number of criteria to satisfy, mostly to do with benefits, so please check to make sure you’re eligible. Individuals can self-refer. Please be aware that financial support CANNOT be used to clear ongoing debts.

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• Warm Home Discount Scheme

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

There are two main qualifying groups for this scheme, those on pension credit and those on a ‘low income’. Scheme now closed until November 2022. No need to apply, it should be done automatically.

• British Gas Energy Trust

https://britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/

If you’re struggling with money and energy debt, you are not alone. We’re an independent charitable trust set up to support families and individuals who are struggling to pay their bills across England, Wales and Scotland, no matter which energy company you are with.

There is a checklist to see what support you’re entitled to depending on your circumstances. Scroll approximately half way down the page for the drop-down menu: https://britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/bounce-back-checklist/

Grants are available under certain circumstances, so please check to see if you qualify. All applicants have to seek money/debt advice first: https://britishgasenergytrust.org.uk/grants-available/

*You DO NOT have to be a British Gas customer to access potential financial support.

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• Energy Suppliers Hardship Grants

Many energy suppliers have hardship grants to support their customers. Please be aware that some of the grant funds are heavily oversubscribed and may be closed for the time being.

EDF: https://www.edfenergy.com/for-home/help-support/energy-bill-debt-advice

• 0800 269 450

E.on Next: https://www.eonnextenergyfund.com/

• 0330 380 1090
• Also open to customers of Sainsbury’s Energy

Octopus Energy: https://octopus.energy/blog/struggling-to-pay/

• Have to access via Octopus web form: https://octopus.energy/login/?next=/dashboard/new/fea
• Also open to customers of Affect Energy, Co-operative Energy, Ebico Living, London Power, M&S Energy

Scottish Power: https://community.scottishpower.co.uk/t5/Extra-Help/Hardship-Fund/ta-p/53

• Have to access via SP web form: https://support.sigmaconnected.com/scottish-power-hardship-fund

Shell Energy: https://www.shellenergy.co.uk/info/here-to-help

• 0330 094 5800

Utility Warehouse: https://citizensadviceplymouth.org.uk/our-services/

• 0333 777 0777

Bulb: https://help.bulb.co.uk/hc/en-us/articles/360044896191-About-Bulb-s-Energy-Fund

Ovo Energy: https://www.ovoenergy.com/help/debt-and-energy-assistance

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• Dwr Cymru Welsh Water HelpU scheme

https://www.dwrcymru.com/en/help-with-bills

You can potentially get up to £230 off your water bill if you receive at least one of the following benefits:

• Pensions Credit
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Income Support
• Income-related Employment & Support Allowance
• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit
• Universal Credit
• Housing Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Council Tax Reduction / Support

To qualify for the tariff:

• the water supply to the household must be for domestic use only
• someone in the household must receive at least one means-tested benefit
• the combined annual household income must be on or under the threshold for the household size as shown in the table below.
  • 1 person, £9,700
  • 2 persons, £14,600
  • 3+ persons, £16,100

Special Note: We exclude some types of income from the combined annual household income calculation (such as Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and disability/carer benefits and premiums).

Advice and support if you are struggling to pay your bill, or think you may struggle in future, but aren't in debt: https://www.dwrcymru.com/en/support-with-bills

• Food Banks

https://www.conwy.gov.uk/en/Resident/Cost-of-Living/Food-Banks.aspx

A number of food banks have different criteria for accessing their services. Please call the one closest to where you live and have a chat with them; many food banks offer more than just assistance with food.

• Benefits Advice Shop

http://www.bashop.tv/

The Benefit Advice Shop offers advice and provides help and support due to the constant changes and increase of the Welfare Benefits system. The Benefit Advice Shop has its main office in the West of Rhyl and also has outreaches based in Abergele, Prestatyn and Colwyn Bay. The aims of the Benefit Advice Shop are to ensure that no person loses out financially due to a lack of information or understanding of the Welfare Benefits System by providing free, independent, professional advice.

Its services can also be accessed by phone.

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• Antioch Money Advice Centre

https://www.antioch.co.uk/community-money-advice

The Antioch Money Advice Centre is part of the network of over 150 advice centres affiliated to Community Money Advice. Each year these centres help thousands of people deal with their debt. They provide free, unconditional, fully confidential advice and practical support to people from all walks of life.

The Money Advice Centre is in Colwyn Bay and regularly hosts other support organisations.

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• Citizens Advice Conwy

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/contact-us/search-for-your-local-citizens-advice/local-citizens-advice-details/?serialnumber=102062

Citizens Advice offers free, independent and confidential advice on a whole range of matters, including energy concerns.

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• Claim What’s Yours

https://gov.wales/claim-whats-yours

Thousands of people in Wales are entitled to more benefits.

Families across Wales are feeling the strain on their household budgets due to the rising cost of living, making that extra bit of help more important than ever.

Many people are unaware they may be entitled to benefits that could offer them the support they need.

If you are unsure about what benefits you can claim, Advicelink Cymru can help you check and claim what’s yours.

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• Advicelink Cymru

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/wales/about-us/our-work/advice-partnerships/advicelink-cymru/

Advicelink Cymru is a Welsh Government funded Citizens Advice service designed to help people who are most in need of advice services, particularly those who would not usually seek advice.

Advicelink Cymru offers quality assured advice on welfare benefits, debt, employment, education, housing, immigration and discrimination.

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• Turn2Us

https://www.turn2us.org.uk/

Turn2us helps people in financial need gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help – online, by phone and face to face through our partner organisations.

Benefits calculator and grant search tools: https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Get-Support

Struggling with energy and water bills: https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Your-Situation/Energy-and-Water-Bills

Turn2Us does have two of its own grant programmes but conditions apply: https://www.turn2us.org.uk/get-support/Turn2us-Funds/Turn2us-National-Grant-Programmes?viewmode=2&lang=en-GB

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• MoneyHelper

https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en

MoneyHelper is a UK Government website that now incorporates Money Advice Service, Pension Wise and the Pensions Advisory Service.

Here you will find lots of online tools and links to general support regarding benefits, money troubles and budgeting.

If you are dealing with debt and want more information regarding your options: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/money-troubles/dealing-with-debt

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• StepChange Debt Charity

https://www.stepchange.org/

Our free and expert advice helps you deal with your debts and get the support you need. We offer you full flexibility. You can get advice online or over the phone at a time that suits you, and after we've looked at your budget, we'll recommend a range of practical debt solutions based on your situation.

This website contains lots of useful advice on how to cope with debt and explain your options in a clear, easy to understand manner.

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• Breathing Space Scheme

https://www.stepchange.org/how-we-help/breathing-space-scheme.aspx

Up to 60 days' respite from interest, fees, and court action to reduce stress and give you time to deal with your debts. Officially called Debt Respite Scheme.

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• Department of Work and Pensions Benefits Checker

https://dwp-benefits-checker.shorthandstories.com/step-1/index.html

This tool is designed to help you easily find information about the financial support that may be available to you. You will be asked a small number of questions about your own circumstances. The tool will then direct you to more information about financial support that may be available to you, based on the responses you give.

It’s worth noting that the answers given don’t necessarily guarantee financial support.

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• Help paying bills directly from your benefits

https://www.gov.uk/bills-benefits

You can have some of your bills (including rent, services charges, fuel or water bills) paid directly out of your benefits payments if you’re having difficulties. This is called ‘third party deductions’ and sometimes Fuel Direct.

The benefits that can be used are:

• Universal Credit
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Income Support
• Pension Credit

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• Help for Households – discounts and offers

https://helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk/discounts-and-offers/

This is an official UK Government scheme that has a list of commercial companies offering various discounts and price freezes.

In Asda, children aged 16 and under can get a hot or cold meal for £1 at any time of day in Asda cafés across the UK, 7 days a week, with no minimum adult spend. Adults 60 and over can get soup and a roll with unlimited tea or coffee for £1.

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• Help if you’re being moved from a direct debit to prepay meter 

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/wales/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-help-paying-your-bills/stop-your-energy-supplier-installing-a-prepayment-meter/

If you’re on a smart meter, pay by direct debit and in debt to your energy provider, they can potentially remotely switch your smart meter over to a prepay. In certain circumstances, you can contest this decision.

Breathing Space, sometimes called the Debt Respite Scheme, is a free government scheme that could give you up to 60 days' space from creditors to set up a debt solution. Step Change debt charity can help you to apply:

https://www.stepchange.org/how-we-help/breathing-space-scheme.aspx

There is a BBC article on the matter here:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-63554879

• Conwy County Borough Council Free School Meals

https://www.conwy.gov.uk/en/Resident/Benefits-and-grants/Education-Benefits/Free-School-Meals-in-Conwy-County-Borough.aspx

Scroll down and you’ll find the list of benefits that entitles you to free school meals. Applications can be made directly from that webpage.

If you require a paper form, or any help in completing the form; or have any other questions, you can contact the Benefit Team on telephone number 01492 576491.

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• Conwy County Borough Council School Uniform Grant

https://www.conwy.gov.uk/en/Resident/Benefits-and-grants/Education-Benefits/School-Uniform-Grant-in-Conwy-County-Borough.aspx

The correct name for it is the Pupil Development Grant and it can also potentially cover costs associated with extra-curricular activities (such as Guides/Scouts etc) and even laptops/tablets. Applications can be made directly from the webpage.

If you require a paper form, or any help in completing the form; or have any other questions, you can contact the Benefit Team on telephone number 01492 576491.

• National Energy Action

https://www.nea.org.uk/get-help/advice-resources/?tag=english

National Energy Action predicts 6.7 million UK households will be in fuel poverty. It means they cannot afford to live in a warm, dry and safe home. If you or someone you know can’t afford to heat their home then we’re here to help – we offer a range of advice and support both directly to people in need, and via frontline workers and other intermediaries.

Call 0800 304 7159, Monday to Friday 10.00 am-12.00 noon

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• Energy Saving Trust

https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/energy-at-home/

Energy Saving Trust is an independent organisation – working to address the climate emergency. A respected and trusted voice on energy efficiency and clean energy solutions, we continue to work towards a smart, decarbonised, decentralised energy system.

Quick tips to save energy: https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/hub/quick-tips-to-save-energy/

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• Welsh Government Warm Homes Scheme (Nest)

https://nest.gov.wales/

The Nest scheme offers a range of free, impartial advice and, if you are eligible, a package of free home energy efficiency improvements such as a new boiler, central heating, insulation, or solar panels. This can lower your energy bills and benefit your health and wellbeing.

This website mainly offers advice on how to achieve a warm home. If you are eligible, there is also a package of free home energy efficiency improvements such as a new boiler, central heating or insulation.

Eligibility criteria can be found here: https://nest.gov.wales/eligibility/

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• Warm Wales

https://www.warmwales.org.uk/

Warm Wales is Wales’ oldest community interest company working to tackle fuel poverty by offering free advice and support to ensure people across Wales and South-West England have warm and safe homes. We have a team of trained energy advisors and community workers to help provide advice, referrals, and access to grants such as gas connection grants to ensure no one is living in unsafe and cold homes.

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• Help if you’re being moved from a direct debit to prepay meter 

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/wales/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-help-paying-your-bills/stop-your-energy-supplier-installing-a-prepayment-meter/

If you’re on a smart meter, pay by direct debit and in debt to your energy provider, they can potentially remotely switch your smart meter over to a prepay. In certain circumstances, you can contest this decision.

Breathing Space, sometimes called the Debt Respite Scheme, is a free government scheme that could give you up to 60 days' space from creditors to set up a debt solution. Step Change debt charity can help you to apply:

https://www.stepchange.org/how-we-help/breathing-space-scheme.aspx

There is a BBC article on the matter here:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-63554879

• Scope

https://www.scope.org.uk/disability-energy-support/

We offer free energy and water advice to disabled people, helping them to manage their energy and water needs.

The service is open to:

• any disabled person or households where 1 or more disabled people live, and
• those households are in England or Wales

If you’re eligible, Scope can also register you for the Priority Services Register through them. Call 0808 801 0828 for more information.

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• £150 one-off payment for people claiming certain disability benefits

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cost-of-living-payment

To qualify, you must be receiving, or have begun an eventually successful claim as of 25 May 2022 for, one of the following benefits:

• Armed forces independence payment
• Attendance allowance
• Constant attendance allowance
• Disability living allowance
• Personal independence payment
• Scottish disability benefits
• War pensioners' mobility supplement

• Age UK

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/debt-savings/energy/

Age UK has a helpline (0800 169 6565) and offers advice and support to older people. Importantly, it urges older people to call before taking any action such as turning down or switching off their heating.

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Winter Fuel Payment (66yrs and over)

https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment

Usually (if you qualify), you will receive between £100 and £300, depending on circumstances. This winter, an additional £300 payment will be made automatically.

• Cartrefi Conwy Warm Welcome

https://cartreficonwy.org/get-involved/upcoming-events/warm-welcome/

Supporting communities through the colder months.

Come along to one of our community centres to enjoy a warm safe space, with some hearty soup and a roll.

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• Conwy Libraries Warm Welcome

https://conwylibraries.com/support-libraries/warm-welcome

This winter, your local library has lots to offer. Come and spend time in our warm, welcoming and supportive spaces.

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• Together for Colwyn Bay

Family Toastie Club, Colwyn Bay

https://www.togetherforcolwynbay.org/events/family-toastie-club

Come along to Dewi Sant every Thursday from November 3rd, 3.30pm-6.30pm.

Meet new people, have a warm bite to eat with space for the kids to play, or bring your craft project and chill out. Pay as you feel (suggested donation £1 per family).

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• Heat and Eat, Conwy

St John's Church, Rosehill St, Conwy

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087363009611

Wednesdays, 4pm – 7.30pm on the following dates:

9^th November
23^rd November
7^th December
21^st December
4^th January
18^th January
1^st February
15^th February
1^st March

Hot meal served at 6pm. Call to give notice that you’re coming so they can make sure they cook enough food. Booking for this is essential.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

07883 655340

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• Penmaenmawr Warm Space

https://www.facebook.com/penmaenmawrfoodbank/posts/pfbid02qyGyio4tEat2Y7dVN8zWSTdCsYPCAW1uhazupFBKwaD8RX7g9ZH4WXtR9HaiMJspl

St Paul’s Church Hall on Bangor Road is open each Friday from 10am to 1pm.

If you're feeling cold, need some company or just want a chat, St Paul's Church on Bangor Road (opposite Perry Higgins) is open each Friday from 10am to 1pm.

The hall and lounge area will be available and you can either just come and sit, bring a book, your favourite craft or join others in a range of activities including crafts, jigsaws and board games.

It's all free so why not pop in and see what's happening.

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• Canolfan Dewi Sant Centre - Pensarn

https://www.facebook.com/CanolfanDewiSant/photos/a.618486681594988/5417007041742904/

Dewi Sant Centre, Pensarn is open to everyone each Thursday from 09:30am  - 12 noon 

Join us for a cuppa, a chat and some company.

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