Thousands of people across Wales can now claim a one-off £100 payment to go towards paying their winter fuel bills.
Applications for the 'Winter Fuel Support Scheme' are now open and people receiving certain benefits have until February 18, 2022, to apply to receive the £100 payment from their local council.
The scheme is open to Welsh households on Universal Credit and other working-age benefits and forms part of a £51m package of support that aims to help low-income households "meet the pressures on living costs this winter," the Welsh Government says. You can find more of Your Money stories here.
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The payment is available to all eligible households regardless of whether they pay for their fuel on a pre-payment meter, by direct debit or via a bill quarterly.
Local authorities will be writing to eligible households they're aware of, inviting them to make a claim on the scheme, and individuals can also apply for the funds via their local council's website.
Payments will be made between January and March 31, 2022
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What is the 'Winter Fuel Support Scheme'?
The Welsh Government says: "£38 million has been made available through a winter fuel support scheme. This is part of a support package of over £50m to address immediate pressures on living costs.
"Eligible households can claim a one-off £100 payment from their local authority. The money is to provide support towards paying winter fuel bills. The payment will be available to all eligible households regardless of how they pay for fuel. This includes payments made on a pre-payment meter, by direct debit or by paying a bill quarterly."
Who is eligible for the scheme?
The scheme is open to households where at least one person living there is in receipt of a welfare benefit from the below list:
- Income support
- Income-based job seekers allowance
- Income-related employment and support allowance
- Universal credit
- Working tax credits
The individual or couple must have claimed the benefit at some point between December 1, 2021, and January, 31, 2022. The individual or couple claiming must also be responsible for paying the energy bills for the property.
How can I apply?
To apply, visit your local council's website, search for 'Winter Fuel Support Scheme' and fill in the application form.
When will payments be made?
Payments will be made between January, 2022, and March 31, 2022.
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