Cost of living help

There may be more help than you think...

Anyone can fall behind on bills, but it’s NEVER too late to ask for help and advice. Here’s a simple tick list of what to do if you are struggling….

Important thing to remember:

Anyone can fall behind on bills, but it’s NEVER too late to ask for help and advice.

Details of Cost of Living payments can be found here: Cost of Living Payments 2023 to 2024 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

 New Cost of Living Payments from Spring 2023  

 Millions of the lowest-income households across the UK will get up to £1,350 from the Government in 2023/4 to help with the cost of living. Exact payment windows will be announced closer to the time but are spread across a longer period to ensure a consistent support offering throughout the year. They will be broadly as follows: 

 When you’ll be paid 

If you’re entitled, you will get: 

  • £301 paid between 25 April 2023 and 17 May 2023 for most people on DWP benefits (£301 paid between 2 and 9 May 2023 for most people on tax credits and no other low income benefits) 
  • £300 paid during autumn 2023 for most people 
  • £299 paid during spring 2024 for most people 

 Disability Cost of Living Payment 

  • £150 in the Summer 2023 

 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment 

  • If you’re entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2023 to 2024, you will get an extra £150 or £300 paid with your normal payment from November 2023.

 

If you are having trouble paying your bills, contact your suppliers / creditors to discuss your concerns. Advice from Ofgem.

Full details of the support schemes available from the UK Government are on helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk These include:

 

  • Cold Weather Payment - If your area experiences extreme weather for seven consecutive days you will be eligible for an extra £25 a week Cold Weather Payment if you’re on benefits.


Cyngor Gwynedd can help you with household bills with these payments:


Cyngor Gwynedd can help you to keep your home warm. 

You might also benefit from:

Contact your landlord, they’re here to help:

  • ADRA - 0300 123 8084
  • Cynefin - 0300 111 2122
  • North Wales Housing - 01492 572727
  • If you are renting privately, Citizens Advice may be able to help if you are at risk of falling into arrears, there is useful information here: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/wales/housing 
  • Contact the Homelessness Service, Cyngor Gwynedd - 01766 771000

Help is available if you’re finding it difficult to keeping your house warm. You might be eligible to have work done on your house such as improve insulation or a new heating systems through schemes such as Nyth and Eco 4.

Visit the Energy in the home webpage to find out more about schemes such as Nyth and Eco, or contact us to see if you are eligible or need advice: 

  • Warm Spaces - locations across Gwynedd who offer a warm welcome for anyone to come in for a warm shelter, chat or a cup of tea.

Food banks

Food banks provide people with food when they are in crisis, without food. 


Food pantries

Food Pantries provide people with packages of affordable food, most often for a small contribution. You can use a local pantry as another way to eat healthy, affordable food, and you'll also help stop that food from going to waste.


Free school meals

If you have a school aged child you could also be entitled to free school meals:


Support if you are pregnant / have young children

If you are pregnant or have a child under 4 years old you can also get help to buy food and milk through the Healthy Start scheme: 

The Discretionary Assistance Fund provides 2 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 or emergency travel if you:

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

More information and apply online

 

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.

More information and apply online

If you are struggling and need help contact us or one of our partner agencies for advice and assistance:


Community Hubs

Help and information on food, energy and money is also available through the hub in your local area:  

Caernarfon Hub

Bala Hub

Dyffryn Nantlle Hub

  • Yr Orsaf, Storfa Muriau, Heol y Dwr, Penygroes, Gwynedd, LL54 6LP 
  • greta@yrorsaf.cymru
  •  07529 224989

Bermo/Tywyn Hub

Bro Ffestiniog Hub

Botwnnog Hub

Llanaelhaearn Hub


Pwllheli/Nefyn Hub

Dyffryn Ogwen Hub

  • Partneriaeth Ogwen, 57 High Street, Bethesda, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 3AE. 
  • marie@ogwen.org
  • 01248 602131 

Maesgeirchen Hub

There is free access to computers and the internet at all Gwynedd Libraries. 

Or contact Gwynedd Digidol to get personal help to do more online, or to borrow a device and data

If you feel unable to cope, are worried about your situation and that it is having an impact on your health there is information available to help you look after yourself


You can also find help and information here:

In response to the cost of living crisis and curent economic climate, the Council's Business Support Unit recently hosted a webinar for local businesses offering advice on business efficiency measures which could reduce their overheads and carbon emissions. View more information