HOUSEHOLDS in Wales can claim a one-off £200 cash payment from their local authority to help with their fuel bills from today.

This is in addition to the winter fuel payment offered by the UK government.

The Wales Fuel Support Scheme payment from the Welsh government - administered through local authorities -  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.

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 September 1, 2022 and January 31, 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.

Applications can be made to local authorities via their website from today.

Luke Young, Assistant Director of Citizens Advice Cymru said: “If you’re on a qualifying benefit you will be entitled to £200 extra help this winter - but you need to apply for it.

“With energy prices fixed at record levels, and other pressures on the cost of living, more money needs to be targeted at low income households. The Wales Fuel Support Scheme is in addition to UK Government schemes and so I would recommend getting in touch with your local council soon.

“More households than ever across Wales are able to apply for this vital funding to help heat their homes. It’s essential that we let people know they need to apply.”