How others can help

Some of Newport City Council's partners and other organisations also offer a range of support and advice.

Benefits - claim what's yours

Pension Credit

Pension credit tops up pension income and can help with day-to-day living costs.

If you are over state pension age, you may be elegible to claim even if you own your own home or have savings.

People who claim pension credit may also be able to get:

  • additional cost-of-living payments
  • help with heating costs
  • help with rent and council tax
  • a free television licence for those aged 75 and over
  • help with the costs of NHS services

You could be eligible for pension credit if your weekly income is below £201.05 or, if you have a partner who lives with you, £306.85. Qualifying income level may be higher in some circumstances.

Check your eligibility at www.gov.uk/pension-credit  or by calling 0800 99 1234

Benefits advice

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

Get in touch with one of the advisors today by calling the free helpline on 0808 250 5700.

Benefit advice is available through Citizen Advice

The Turn2us website also helps people in financial need gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help.  

You can also use Entitledto to check what benefit entitlement you are entitled to. 

Help for households

You could automatically receive an extra £301 cost of living payment if you claim certain benefits, including tax credits.  Find out more 

Discretionary Assistance Fund for emergency cash payment

The Discretionary Assistance Fund provides two 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 if you are experiencing extreme financial hardship, have lost your job, or have applied for benefits and are waiting for your first payment.

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.

Apply online or call 0800 859 5924.  

Money and debt advice

There are several partner organisations who can help you manage your money or debt. 

Credit Unions are non-profit-making money cooperatives that provides competitive loans and a safe place for savings.

Find out more about support services in Newport.  

Utilities and energy saving

Warmer Wales is a free comprehensive and impartial service that helps people to reduce their energy bills. Visit the website or email warmer.wales@newportca.org.uk 

If you are having difficulty paying your utility bills, contact your supplier as soon as possible so they can advise what help is available.

Welsh Water also has a range of advice available including the HelpU tariff which helps low-income households by putting a cap on the amount you have to pay for your water.

ECO (energy company obligation) 

The main scheme for supporting energy efficiency improvements including insulation and some heating improvements in low income and vulnerable households.

Helpline 0800 444202 (Monday to Friday 8am-8pm; Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm) 

Energy Saving Trust

Information and advice on making your home more energy efficient, reducing your carbon emissions and lowering your energy bills.

Power Up 

Providing advice on the Western Power Distribution priority service register by phone and home visits. The register ensures extra help and support during power cuts for elderly, very il or disabled people and those who rely on power for medical equipment. General enquiries: 0800 096 3080 Monday to Friday 8am-5pm

Scope

Offers free energy and water advice for disabled people. Service is open to any disabled person or household where one or more disabled person lives.

Visit the website or call 0808 801 0828

Warm Wales 

Free advice, support and referral options tailored to the needs of the household. Call 01656 747622, email information@warmwales.org.uk or visit the website

Welsh Government Warm Homes 

Funding for energy efficiency improvements to low income households and those living in deprived communities. If you’re worried about energy bills, you can speak to an advisor. They can offer free and impartial advice on saving energy and water; money management; checking you are on the best tariff; benefit entitlement. Call 0808 808 2244 or request a call back using online form at www.nest.gov.wales/how-to-apply/call-back-form

 

Other support

Age Cymru 

Age Cymru provides confidential, impartial and expert information and advice to older people, their families, friends, carers and professionals.

Contact the Newport branch on 01633 763330  

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board 

Advice on the cost-of-living and taking care of your mental health, eating well, healthy start scheme. 

Care and Repair Cymru

Information, advice and practical services that help older people stay safe, warm and well at home. Visit the website or call 01633 233887

Families First

A Welsh Government programme designed to improve outcomes for children, young people and families through prevention and early intervention, particularly for those living in poverty.

FoodCycle Newport

Provides a free hot meal to those in need, 6.30pm Tuesdays, Community House, Eton Road. Visit the website or email newport@foodcycle.org.uk

Help with your TV Licence 

The Simple Payment Plan was created for those in financial difficulty.

Qualifying customers can choose from either a fortnightly or monthly payment plan that spreads the cost of a TV Licence over 12 months. This means you make smaller payments more frequently, helping you to better manage your finances.

More information on the Simple Payment Plan can be found on the TV Licensing website.

Recycled furniture

Raven House (call 01633 762999) and Wastesavers (call 01633 281281) have a range of pre-used furniture and IT equipment. 

Re:make Newport

Helps with the repairing of household items. Has a range of DIY tools and other items that can be rented at low cost.

Welsh Government cost-of-living information page

Details on support available including income and disability benefits, bills and allowances; childcare; housing and travel.