Are you worried about your finances?

We have Financial Support Officers who work within the Housing Service. Their advice service is FREE, and they are here to help you. 

They provide benefit, money, income, and debt management advice.

Please contact them if you are struggling with your finances and/or energy costs (even if you have spoken to them before, as there may be new grants, schemes, or assistance that you are now entitled to).

To contact the Financial Support Officers please ring 01597 827464 or email: housing@powys.gov.uk

Universal Credit - Housing Costs

If you make a claim for Universal Credit, please remember to report your housing costs promptly or you could lose out on money to assist you with your rent payments.

If you need support with this, or anything else regarding Universal Credit, please contact the Financial Support Officers.

Universal Credit - Help to Save Scheme

This scheme is for all Universal Credit claimants who are working, allowing them to save between £1 and £50 monthly for a potential tax-free bonus of up to £1,200 over four years. The scheme, designed to support those with lower incomes, previously had stricter eligibility criteria but will now be accessible to anyone earning at least £1.

Applications can be submitted until April 2027.

You can apply online at https://www.gov.uk/get-help-savings-low-income/how-to-apply  or you can call HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) on 0300 322 7093.

Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF)

The DAF Emergency Assistance Payment gives grants to those on benefits, who are in financial hardship and in immediate need of help with core essentials, like food, gas, electricity, and basic clothing.  You can get up to 3 grants of between £56 to £111 each.

To claim DAF, you can do the following:

Go to the website - https://gov.wales/discretionary-assistance-fund-daf

Phone 0800 859 5924 (between 9.30am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday)

Fuel Bank Fund

If you have oil heating and are unable to put oil in your tank or if you have a pre-payment meter for your gas or electricity and are struggling to put money on your meter, please contact the Financial Support Officers on 01597 827464 for help and assistance.

Water Bills

If you are having problems paying bills, please don't ignore them. 

Contact your water company as they have a number of ways that they may be able to help you.  Both water companies offer lower tariffs to customers on low incomes.

Welsh Water - www.dwrcymru.com or telephone 0800 052 0145

Hafren Dyfrdwy - www.hdcymru.co.uk or telephone 0800 085 8033

Anxious about your energy bills?

Free confidential support for households in Powys

With energy prices increasing rapidly, it is easy to feel overwhelmed when dealing with your home energy. But you do not have to struggle alone. If you need someone on your side our Energy Advocate is here for you.

To arrange a one-to-one call with our Energy Advocate, email advocate@severnwye.org.uk or visit Severn Wye Energy Agency - sustainability now, and for the future