Every year, thousands of people miss out on benefits they are entitled to. To help you determine if you are claiming everything you can, I’ve produced an updated version of my cost of living advice and support booklet, which is full of resources and information on various benefits and support services that may be available to you.
Below are the links shown in the booklet – using these will take you straight through to the appropriate website. My team are also on hand to help, so please get in touch.
Your State Pension
You can check your National Insurance record here: www.gov.uk/check-national-insurance-record
If you are already state pension age, contact the Pension Service at www.gov.uk/contact-pension-service or call 0800 731 0469.
If you’re not yet at state pension age, contact the Future Pension Service on 0800 731 0175
Pension Credit:
To apply, call the Pension Credit Helpline on 0800 99 1234.
Disability Benefits:
To apply, call: 0800 731 0122.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA):
To apply, call: 0800 121 4600.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP):
To apply, call: 0800 917 2222.
Council Tax Reduction:
To apply, contact Newport City Council on 01633 656656.
Help with heating and home energy:
For more information see: gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment
Warm Home Discount:
Contact the Warm Home Discount Scheme on 0800 0309322.
Warm Homes Programme:
For more information and to apply call NEST on 0808 808 2244
energysavingtrust.org.uk/programme/welsh-government-nest-scheme/
Help with water bills:
Call Dwr Cymru on 0800 052 0145 or head to dwrcymru.com/en/support-with-bills
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA):
More details at studentfinancewales.co.uk/further-education-funding/education-maintenance-allowance
Discounted Vehicle Tax:
Visit a Post Office branch or call 0845 722 3344.
Find Lost Money
Pensions: Find lost pensions – contact the Pension Tracing Service on 0800 731 0193.
Bank Accounts, Savings, and Premium Bonds: Trace using My Lost Account by calling 020 3934 0329.
Cinema Tickets
The CEA Card provides a complimentary ticket for a companion.
Call 01244 526 016.
Help with Housing Costs:
Help To Stay Wales – www.gov.wales/help-stay-scheme
Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP):
Contact Citizens Advice: on 03444 77 2020, or Shelter Cymru on 08000 495 495.
Debt
There is always more than one way to deal with debt, and it’s never too early or too late to seek help. You shouldn’t pay for debt advice, as there are lots of organisations who can help you, such as one of
the money advice charities listed here:
Citizens Advice: 03444 77 2020
StepChange: 0800 1381111
Payplan: 0800 280 2816
National Debtline: 0808 808 4000
Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF): If you are experiencing extreme financial hardship, you may be able to make a claim to the Welsh Government’s Discretionary Assistance Fund.
My team can help you apply, or you can apply yourself by calling the Discretionary Assistance Fund Tel: 0800 8595924.
Healthy Start Vouchers:
To claim speak to your midwife or health visitor or call 0300330 7010
School Essentials Grant:
Go to gov.wales/school-essentials-grant-help-school-costs for more information, or call Newport City Council on 01633 656656
Other Grants:
You can check whether there is help available by contacting Turn2Us on 0808 802 2000.