Financial support for people living in Wales during the cost of living crisis

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Welsh Government Financial Support

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The last few months have been some of the toughest many of us have experienced financially, with the cost of living crisis impacting people dramatically.

However, help is available, with the Welsh Government offering a number of financial support schemes. This includes one off cost of living payments to people who currently receive benefits, as well as council tax reductions. 

Read on to find out what support you could be entitled to and how to access it.

If you have children under 16, you may also find this blog post useful, detailing the help available specifically for families in Wales, including The Childcare Offer for Wales, Free School Meals and help with school costs.

Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF)

Welsh Government Financial Support

What is the Discretionary Assistance Fund?

The Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF) is available for people in Wales on a low income to offer extra financial support in times of crisis or emergency.

There are two different types of payments you can receive through DAF, an Emergency Assistance Payment (EAP) and Individual Assistance Payment (IAP).

The money does not need to paid back.

Emergency Assistance Payment (EAP)

The Emergency Assistance Payment is a grant to help pay for essential costs, such as food, gas, electricity, clothing or emergency travel.

It is for people who:

  • are experiencing extreme financial hardship
  • have lost their job
  • have applied for benefits and are waiting for their first payment

From 1 April 2023, all applicants will be eligible for three payments in a 12-month rolling period, with at least a seven day gap between applications. For families, this could mean up to £111 three times a year.

Individual Assistance Payment (IAP)

The Individual Assistance Payment is 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.

You can use the grant for:

  • a fridge, cooker, washing machine and other ‘white goods’
  • home furniture such as beds, sofas and chairs

Who is entitled to the Discretionary Assistance Fund?

Emergency Assistance Payment (EAP)

To get a grant, you must:

  • be in extreme financial hardship, for example you’ve lost your job, applied for benefits and are waiting for your first payment, or have no money to buy food, gas and electricity
  • be in a crisis situation and in need of immediate financial support
  • live in Wales
  • be over 16
  • have no other money for example savings, and have considered all other legal and responsible lenders such as credit unions

Individual Assistance Payment (IAP)

The IAP is now referral-only from partner organisations. But it’s still worth checking with Advicelink Cymru to see if you’re eligible for referral.

Using the IAP, can only apply for a fridge, cooker or washing machine (white goods) and furniture through an approved partner.

You must:

  • live in Wales
  • be over 16
  • have no access to other money and tried all other affordable sources of funding for example credit union
  • not be living in a care home (unless being discharged in 6 weeks)
  • not be in prison (unless being discharged in 6 weeks)
  • not be a member of a fully maintained religious order

You must be getting one of the following:

  • Income Support
  • income based Jobseekers Allowance
  • income related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Guaranteed Credit element of Pension Credit
  • Universal Credit

You must meet one of the following:

  • you are leaving a care home or institution (hospital, prison or foster carer) after 3 months (minimum) to live independently
  • you want to stay living in the community rather than having to go into an institution (hospital or care home)
  • you are setting up home after an unsettled way of life
  • you need to move home quickly due to a relationship breakdown or domestic violence
  • you are going to care for a prisoner or young offender released on a temporary license

How do I claim the Discretionary Assistance Fund?

You can apply online for both the Emergency Assistance Payment and the Individual Assistance Payment here.

Emergency Assistance Payment (EAP)

It takes 24 hours to process applications made Monday to Friday. If you apply after 12 pm on a Friday, you will not be contacted until the following Monday.

If approved, you will receive:

  • a PayPoint voucher or BACS payment for food, gas, electricity and emergency travel
  • vouchers to help you buy clothes

Individual Assistance Payment (IAP)

Applications take 10 working days to process.

If approved, you will receive:

  • white goods such as fridge, cooker or washing machine from AO Retail Limited
  • home furniture such as beds, sofas and chairs from The Furnishings Service (TFS)

If your application is not approved, you will receive a letter by post or email outlining the reasons. You can ask for this to be reviewed.

For more information visit the Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF) website here.

Universal Credit

What is Universal Credit?

Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit for people of working age that tops up income from low paid employment, to ensure that a person has a minimum level of monthly income. The minimum level of income a person needs is an individual calculation that takes into account factors including their age, if they have a partner, if they have dependent children, their health, if they pay rent, any childcare costs, any disabilities that affect their ability to work etc. Universal Credit is claimed from the Department of Work and Pensions and is paid monthly.

Who is entitled to Universal Credit?

You may be able to get Universal Credit if you’re on a low income, are out of work, cannot work, or need help with your living costs.

To claim, you must,

  • live in the UK
  • be aged 18 or over (there are some exceptions if you’re 16 to 17)
  • be under State Pension age
  • have £16,000 or less in money, savings and investments

If you live with your partner, you will need to make a joint claim for your household, even if your partner is not eligible. Their income and savings will affect your entitlement.

If you have a disability or health condition that affects your ability to work, you may be entitled to extra money for Universal Credit.

If you live with a partner and only one of you has reached State Pension age, you can still claim as a couple. Your Universal Credit claim will stop when you both reach State Pension age.

If you are studying or in training, you can make a claim for Universal Credit if you’re in full-time education and you live with your partner and they’re eligible for Universal Credit; or you’re responsible for a child, either as a single person or as a couple; or you’ve reached State Pension age and live with a partner who is below State Pension age. You can also claim Universal Credit if you’re 21 or under, studying any qualification up to A level or equivalent and do not have parental support.

The Universal Credit website details more circumstances in which a person may be able to claim.

How do I claim Universal Credit?

You can apply for Universal Credit online. If you cannot claim online you can claim by phone through the Universal Credit helpline. You can also get support from the Citizens Advice Help to Claim service.

Changes in circumstances can affect how much you are paid. Any changes in circumstances should be reported immediately in order to get the correct payment.

You can find more information on Universal Credit, including how to claim, here

Council Tax discounts and reductions

Welsh Government Financial Support

What is the Council Tax Reduction Scheme?

The Council Tax Reduction Scheme is a means-tested benefit that helps people on a low income to pay their Council Tax bill. Any help a person is entitled to is deducted directly from their Council Tax bill.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to a 25% or 50% reduction or an exemption.

Who is entitled to a discount or a reduction?

You usually have to pay Council Tax if you are 18 or over and own or rent a home. A Council Tax bill is normally based on two adults living in a property. However, in some circumstances you may be eligible to receive a reduction or discount if:

  • you live in a low-income household (and are eligible to receive certain benefits)
  • you live alone (or are the only adult living with a person from a certain group e.g. a person aged 17 or under, or a personon a government training scheme or some apprentice schemes).
  • you are a student (you are exempt from paying Council Tax if you live in a flat, house or bedsit on your own or with other students only, or in a room in halls of residence. If you live with someone who is not a student you will not be counted towards the Council Tax bill for the property)
  • you are severely mentally impaired (for example with a condition such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s disease, severe learning difficulties, stroke, and other forms of dementia; and are in receipt of one and are eligible certain benefits.)
  • you are disabled (If your property has been adapted in a way that meets the criteria on the website for someone who is substantially and permanently disabled, who lives at the property, and for whom the adaption is essential or of major importance to the disabled person’s wellbeing, you may be eligible to get your Council Tax bill reduced by one valuation band. For example, if the property is valued in Band C, the bill will be charged in Band B. 
  • you are a carer (you must provide care for at least 35 hours a week; live in the same property as the person you care for; must not be the spouse or partner of the person you care for, or their parent if you care for a child under 18)

How do I claim?

If you think you may be eligible for a Council Tax discount or the Council Tax Reduction Scheme you should contact your local authority Council Tax department.

More detailed information is available on the eligibility for Council Tax discounts and reductions on the website here.

To find out more about what other financial support you could be entitled to, chat to Advicelink Cymru in confidence, without judgment, and for free on 0808 250 5700 or visit gov.wales/heretohelp

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Cymorth ariannol i bobl sy’n byw yng Nghymru yn ystod yr argyfwng costau byw

Hysbysebu ar y cyd gan Advicelink Cymru a Llywodraeth Cymru

Mae’r misoedd diwethaf wedi bod yn rhai o’r anoddaf y mae nifer ohonom wedi’u hwynebu’n ariannol, gyda’r argyfwng costau byw yn effeithio’n ofnadwy ar bobl.

Ond mae help ar gael, gan fod Llywodraeth Cymru yn cynnig nifer o gynlluniau cymorth ariannol. Mae hynny’n cynnwys taliadau costau byw untro i bobl sy’n cael budd-daliadau ar hyn o bryd, yn ogystal â gostyngiadau’r dreth gyngor. 

Darllenwch ymlaen i wybod pa gymorth y gallech chi fod â hawl i’w gael a sut i fanteisio arno.

Os oes gennych chi blant o dan 16 oed, mae’n bosibl y bydd y blog hwn hefyd yn ddefnyddiol, gan ei fod yn manylu ar y cymorth sydd ar gael yn benodol ar gyfer teuluoedd yng Nghymru, gan gynnwys Cynnig Gofal Plant Cymru, Prydau Ysgol am Ddim a help gyda chostau ysgol.

Cronfa Cymorth Dewisol (DAF)

Welsh Government Financial Support

Beth yw’r Gronfa Cymorth Dewisol?

Mae’r Gronfa Cymorth Dewisol (DAF) ar gael i bobl yng Nghymru ar incwm isel i gynnig cymorth ariannol ychwanegol ar adegau o argyfwng.

Mae dau gwahanol fath o daliadau y gallwch eu derbyn trwy DAF, Taliad Cymorth mewn Argyfwng (EAP) a Taliad Cymorth i Unigolion (IAP).

Nid oes rhaid talu’r arian yn ôl.

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Taliad Cymorth mewn Argyfwng (EAP)

Mae’r Taliad Cymorth mewn Argyfwng yn grant i helpu i dalu am gostau hanfodol, fel bwyd, nwy, trydan, dillad a theithio mewn argyfwng.

Mae ar gyfer pobl sydd:

  • yn profi caledi ariannol eithafol
  • wedi colli ei swydd
  • wedi gwneud cais am fudd-daliadau ac yn aros am eu taliad cyntaf

O 1 Ebrill 2023, bydd pawb sy’n ymgeisio yn gymwys i gael tri thaliad mewn cyfnod dreigl o 12 mis, gyda bwlch o saith diwrnod o leiaf rhwng y ceisiadau. I deuluoedd, gallai hyn olygu hyd at £111 tair gwaith y flwyddyn.

Taliad Cymorth i Unigolion (IAP)

Mae’r Taliad Cymorth i Unigolion yn grant i’ch helpu chi neu rywun yr ydych yn gofalu amdano yn eu cartref neu eiddo yr ydych chi neu nhw yn symud iddo.

Gallwch ddefnyddio’r grant ar gyfer:

  • oergell, popty, peiriant golchi a ‘nwyddau gwyn’ eraill
  • dodrefn i’r cartref er enghraifft gwelyau, soffas a chadeiriau

Pwy sydd â hawl i’r Gronfa Cymorth Dewisol?

Taliad Cymorth Mewn Argyfwng

I gael grant, rhaid eich bod:

  • mewn caledi ariannol eithafol, er enghraifft rydych chi wedi colli eich swydd, wedi gwneud cais am fudd-daliadau ac yn aros am eich taliad cyntaf, neu heb arian i brynu bwyd, nwy a thrydan
  • mewn sefyllfa argyfyngus ac angen cymorth ariannol ar unwaith
  • yn byw yng Nghymru
  • dros 16 oed
  • heb arian arall, er enghraifft cynilion, ac wedi ystyried pob benthyciwr cyfreithiol a chyfrifol arall megis undebau credyd

Taliad Cymorth i Unigolion

Mae’r Taliad Cymorth i Unigolion nawr ond ar gael drwy atgyfeiriad gan sefydliadau partner. Ond mae hi’n dal yn werth cadarnhau gydag Advicelink Cymru i weld a ydych chi’n gymwys i gael eich atgyfeirio.

Gan ddefnyddio’r Taliad Cymorth i Unigolion  mae ond modd gwneud cais am oergell, ffwrn neu beiriant golchi (nwyddau gwyn) a dodrefn trwy bartner cymeradwy.

Rhaid eich bod:

  • yn byw yng Nghymru
  • dros 16 oed
  • heb fynediad at arian arall ac wedi rhoi cynnig ar bob ffynhonnell fforddiadwy arall o gyllid er enghraifft undeb credyd
  • ddim yn byw mewn cartref gofal (oni bai eich bod yn cael eich rhyddhau o fewn 6 wythnos)
  • ddim yn y carchar (oni bai eich bod yn cael eich rhyddhau o fewn 6 wythnos)
  • ddim yn aelod o urdd grefyddol a gynhelir yn llawn

Mae’n rhaid eich bod yn cael un o’r canlynol:

  • Cymorth Incwm
  • Lwfans Ceisio Gwaith yn seiliedig ar incwm
  • Lwfans Cyflogaeth a Chymorth sy’n gysylltiedig ag incwm
  • Elfen Credyd Gwarant o Gredyd Pensiwn
  • Credyd Cynhwysol

Rhaid i chi fodloni un o’r canlynol:

  • rydych chi’n gadael cartref gofal neu sefydliad (ysbyty, carchar neu ofalwr maeth) ar ôl 3 mis (o leiaf) i fyw’n annibynnol
  • rydych chi eisiau parhau i fyw yn y gymuned yn hytrach na gorfod mynd i fyw mewn sefydliad (ysbyty neu gartref gofal)
  • rydych chi’n sefydlu cartref wedi ffordd ansefydlog o fyw
  • mae angen i chi symud cartref yn gyflym oherwydd tor-perthynas neu drais yn y cartref
  • rydych chi’n mynd i ofalu am garcharor neu droseddwr ifanc sy’n cael ei ryddhau ar drwydded dros dro

Sut ydw i’n hawlio’r Gronfa Cymorth Dewisol?

Gallwch chi wneud cais ar-lein am y Taliad Cymorth mewn Argyfwng a’r Taliad Cymorth i Unigolion yma.

Taliad Cymorth mewn Argyfwng

Mae’n cymryd 24 awr i brosesu ceisiadau sy’n cael eu gwneud o ddydd Llun i ddydd Gwener. Os ydych chi’n gwneud cais ar ôl 12 pm ar ddydd Gwener, ni fydd unrhyw un yn cysylltu â chi tan y dydd Llun canlynol.

Os caiff ei gymeradwyo, byddwch chi’n derbyn:

  • taleb PayPoint neu daliad BACS am fwyd, nwy, trydan a theithio mewn argyfwng
  • talebau i’ch helpu chi i brynu dillad

Taliad Cymorth Unigolion

Mae ceisiadau’n cymryd 10 diwrnod gwaith i brosesu.

Os caiff ei gymeradwyo, byddwch chi’n derbyn:

  • nwyddau gwyn fel oergell, ffwrn neu beiriant golchi o AO Retail Limited

dodrefn cartref fel gwelyau, soffas a chadeiriau gan y Gwasanaeth Dodrefnu

Os na chaiff eich cais ei gymeradwyo, byddwch chi’n derbyn llythyr drwy’r post neu drwy e-bost yn amlinellu’r rhesymau. Gallwch chi ofyn i hwn yn cael ei adolygu.

Am ragor o wybodaeth ewch i wefan y Gronfa Cymorth Dewisol yma.https://www.llyw.cymru/cronfa-cymorth-dewisol-daf

Credyd cynhwysol

Beth yw Credyd Cynhwysol?

Mae Credyd Cynhwysol yn fudd-dal sy’n dibynnu ar brawf modd i bobl o oedran gweithio sydd yn ychwanegu at incwm o gyflogaeth â thâl isel, i sicrhau bod gan berson y lefel ofynnol o incwm misol. Mae’r lefel isaf o incwm sydd ei angen ar bobl yn gyfrifiad unigol sy’n ystyried ffactorau gan gynnwys eu hoedran, os oes ganddynt bartner, os oes ganddynt blant dibynnol, eu hiechyd, os ydynt yn talu rhent, unrhyw gostau gofal plant, unrhyw anableddau sy’n effeithio ar eu gallu i weithio ac ati. Mae Credyd Cynhwysol yn cael ei hawlio o’r Adran Gwaith a Phensiynau a chaiff ei dalu’n fisol.

Pwy sydd â’r hawl i Gredyd Cynhwysol?

Efallai y byddwch chi’n gallu cael Credyd Cynhwysol os ydych chi ar incwm isel, yn ddi-waith, yn methu gweithio neu fod angen help gyda’ch costau byw arnoch chi.

I hawlio, rhaid eich bod,

  • yn byw yn y DU
  • yn 18 oed neu’n hŷn (mae rhai eithriadau os ydych chi’n 16 i 17 oed)
  • o dan oedran Pensiwn y Wladwriaeth
  • â £16,000 neu lai mewn arian, cynilion a buddsoddiadau

Os ydych yn byw gyda’ch partner, bydd angen i chi wneud cais ar y cyd ar gyfer eich aelwyd, hyd yn oed os nad yw eich partner yn gymwys. Bydd ei incwm a’i gynilion yn effeithio ar eich hawl.

Os oes gennych anabledd neu gyflwr iechyd sy’n effeithio ar eich gallu i weithio, efallai y bydd gennych chi’r hawl i arian ychwanegol ar gyfer Credyd Cynhwysol.

Os ydych chi’n byw gyda phartner a dim ond un ohonoch sydd wedi cyrraedd oedran Pensiwn y Wladwriaeth, gallwch chi hawlio fel cwpl. Bydd eich cais Credyd Cynhwysol yn dod i ben pan fydd y ddau ohonoch chi’n cyrraedd oedran Pensiwn y Wladwriaeth.

Os ydych chi’n astudio neu’n hyfforddi, gallwch chi wneud cais am Gredyd Cynhwysol os ydych chi mewn addysg lawn amser a’ch bod chi’n byw gyda’ch partner sy’n gymwys i gael Credyd Cynhwysol; neu os ydych chi’n gyfrifol am blentyn, naill ai fel person sengl neu fel cwpl; neu os ydych chi wedi cyrraedd oedran Pensiwn y Wladwriaeth ac yn byw gyda phartner sydd o dan oedran Pensiwn y Wladwriaeth. Gallwch chi hefyd hawlio Credyd Cynhwysol os ydych chi’n 21 oed neu’n iau, yn astudio unrhyw gymhwyster hyd at Safon Uwch neu gymhwyster cyfatebol ac nad oes gennych chi gefnogaeth rhieni.

Mae gwefan Credyd Cynhwysol yn manylu ar fwy o amgylchiadau y gall person hawlio, o bosibl.

Sut ydw i’n hawlio Credyd Cynhwysol?

Gallwch chi wneud cais am Gredyd Cynhwysol ar-lein. Os na allwch chi hawlio ar-lein, gallwch chi hawlio dros y ffôn drwy linell gymorth Credyd Cynhwysol. Gallwch chi hefyd gael cymorth gan y gwasanaeth Cymorth i Hawlio Cyngor ar Bopeth.

Gall newidiadau mewn amgylchiadau effeithio ar faint yr ydych chi’n cael eich talu. Dylech chi roi gwybod ar unwaith am unrhyw newidiadau mewn amgylchiadau er mwyn cael y taliad cywir.

Gallwch chi gael mwy o wybodaeth am Gredyd Cynhwysol, gan gynnwys sut i hawlio, yma https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit

Disgowntiau a gostyngiadau’r Dreth Gyngor

Welsh Government Financial Support

Pwy sydd â’r hawl i gael disgownt neu ostyngiad?

Fel arfer, rydych chi’n gorfod talu’r Dreth Gyngor os ydych chi’n 18 oed neu’n hŷn ac yn berchen ar gartref, neu’n ei rentu. Mae bil y Dreth Cyngor fel arfer yn seiliedig ar ddau oedolyn yn byw mewn eiddo. Fodd bynnag, mewn rhai amgylchiadau efallai y byddwch chi’n gymwys i gael disgownt neu ostyngiad os:

  • ydych chi’n byw ar aelwyd incwm isel (ac yn gymwys i gael budd-daliadau penodol)
  • ydych chi’n byw ar eich pen eich hun (neu mai chi yw’r unig oedolyn sy’n byw gyda pherson o grŵp penodol e.e. person 17 oed neu iau, neu berson ar gynllun hyfforddi’r llywodraeth neu rai cynlluniau prentisiaid).
  • ydych chi’n fyfyriwr (rydych chi wedi’ch eithrio rhag talu’r Dreth Gyngor os ydych chi’n byw mewn fflat, tŷ neu cartref un ystafell ar eich pen eich hun neu gyda myfyrwyr eraill yn unig, neu mewn ystafell mewn neuadd breswyl. Os ydych chi’n byw gyda rhywun nad ydyn nhw’n fyfyriwr ni fyddwch chi’n cael eich cyfrif tuag at fil y Dreth Gyngor ar gyfer yr eiddo)
  • ydych chi â nam meddyliol difrifol (er enghraifft bod gennych chi gyflwr fel Clefyd Alzheimer, Clefyd Parkinson, anawsterau dysgu difrifol, strôc, a mathau eraill o ddementia; ac yn derbyn budd-daliadau cymwys penodol.
  • ydych chi’n anabl (Os yw eich eiddo wedi cael ei addasu mewn ffordd sy’n bodloni’r meini prawf ar y wefan i rywun sydd ag anabledd sylweddol a pharhaol, sy’n byw yn yr eiddo, ac y mae’r addasiad yn hanfodol neu o bwys mawr i les y person anabl, efallai y byddwch chi’n gymwys i gael bil eich Treth Gyngor wedi’i leihau gan un band prisio. Er enghraifft, os yw’r eiddo’n cael ei brisio ym Mand C, caiff y bil ei godi ym Mand B.
  • ydych chi’n ofalwr (rhaid eich bod chi’n darparu gofal am o leiaf 35 awr yr wythnos; byw yn yr un eiddo â’r person yr ydych chi’n gofalu amdano; rhaid i chi beidio â bod yn briod neu’n bartner i’r person yr ydych chi’n gofalu amdano, neu ei riant os ydych chi’n gofalu am blentyn o dan 18 oed)

Yn dibynnu ar eich amgylchiadau, gall fod gennych chi’r hawl i gael gostyngiad o 25% neu 50% neu eithriad.

Beth yw Cynllun Gostyngiadau’r Dreth Cyngor?

Budd-dal sy’n dibynnu ar brawf modd yw Cynllun Gostyngiadau’r Dreth Gyngor ac mae’n helpu pobl ar incwm isel i dalu eu bil Treth  Gyngor. Mae unrhyw help y mae gan unigolyn yr hawl iddo yn cael ei ddidynnu yn uniongyrchol o’i fil y Dreth Cyngor.

Sut ydw i’n hawlio?

Os ydych chi’n credu y gallech chi fod yn gymwys i gael disgownt y Dreth Gyngor neu Gynllun Gostyngiadau’r Dreth Gyngor dylech gysylltu ag adran Treth Gyngor eich awdurdod lleol.

Mae gwybodaeth fanylach ar gael ar y cymhwysedd ar gyfer disgowntiau a gostyngiadau’r Dreth Gyngor ar y wefan yma.

I gael gwybod mwy am ba gymorth ariannol arall y gallai fod gennych chi’r hawl iddo, gallwch gael sgwrs gydag Advicelink Cymru yn gyfrinachol, heb feirniadaeth, ac am ddim ar 0808 250 5700 neu ewch i llyw.cymru/ymaihelpu

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