The Welsh Government has announced it is extending its fuel support scheme meaning 400,000 households in Wales are set to get £200 towards keeping their homes warm this autumn and winter. The idea is to provide people with support over the winter as the cost of living crisis escalates.
Previously around 166,000 households on universal credit, legacy means-tested benefit, and working tax credits benefited from the £200. However this has now been expanded so more groups are eligible. Those claiming the following payments will now be eligible for the scheme:
Child tax credits
Pension credits
Disability benefits
Carers allowance
Contributory benefits such as jobseeker's allowance and employment and support allowance (ESA)
Those receiving help from the council tax reduction scheme
How do I apply for the £200 payment if I am eligible and when can I do it?
The Welsh Government have not yet confirmed exactly when the money will be made available eligible households. However we can draw some guidance from what has happened in previous years.
Last year those eligible could apply for their payment between December 2021 and February this year. It is likely the government will apply a similar timeframe for 2022-23.
The previous scheme was facilitated in large parts by local authorities. Councils would write to people they believe to be eligible. Alternatively individuals who believed they may qualify for the support could submit a claim through local authority website. It seems likely that this will be the same again.
The last time the scheme was run all applications had to be received by February 28. Then payments for successful applications were made from February 2022 through to end of March 2022.
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