Like you, I was pleased to hear the recent announcement from the Chancellor about how residents will benefit from a reduction in home energy bills from April 2026, with an average of £150 saving for households in Newport East.
However, I know that from conversations, e-mails and letters from residents in Newport East, I know that many people of all ages are facing financial challenges.
Below, you’ll find some information that I hope will be helpful. If you would like a printed version of this, please let me know.
If you would like any further help or information, or to talk more about the issues you are facing, please call or e-mail my office at jessica.morden.mp@parliament.uk or by calling 01633 841725.
Benefits
Every year, thousands of people miss out on benefits.
There are lots of ways that you can find out if you are claiming everything you are entitled to including:
Citizens Advice: 0800 702 2020
Citizens Advice, Newport: 01633 222622
Age Cymru: 0300 303 44 98
Age Cymru, Newport: 01633 763330
Turn2us: 0808 802 2000
If you are facing any issues with benefit claims or payments, please contact my office.
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State Pension: It is always worth checking your National Insurance record to ensure that you maximise your State Pension.
You can check your State Pension forecast here: https://www.gov.uk/check-state-pension
You can check your National Insurance record here: https://www.gov.uk/check-national-insurance-record
You may be entitled to National Insurance Credits if you are/were:
- caring for a child or person with long term health condition
- out of work and on benefits
- unable to work due to a long term health condition
- wrongly imprisoned
- a foster carer
- the spouse of a member of the armed forces
For more information, please see: https://www.gov.uk/national-insurance-credits/eligibility
You may be able to increase your pension if you:
- are married and getting less than 60% of your husband’s State Pension and you and your husband reached State Pension age between certain dates. For more information, see: https://www.gov.uk/state-pension-through-partner
- are eligible to ‘buy’ missing years by making voluntary NI contributions for years where you were self employed, out of work and not claiming benefits, on a low income and not paying NI contributions, living or working abroad. For more information, see: https://www.gov.uk/voluntary-national-insurance-contributions/who-can-pay-voluntary-contributions?step-by-step-nav=c0ff9296-e91e-40d1-97bd-008026e90426
For more information:
– If you’re not yet at state pension age, contact the Future Pension Service https://www.gov.uk/future-pension-centre or call 0800 731 0175
– If you are already state pension age, contact the Pension Service https://www.gov.uk/contact-pension-service or call 0800 731 0469.
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Pension Credit: Help to top up your weekly pension if you are on a low income If you are entitled to Pension Credit it will mean you can also access other financial support.
- Approximately a million people each year don’t claim Pension Credit that they are entitled to.
- You may qualify for Pension Credit if you have an income above the basic element and have caring responsibilities or are disabled.
- If you are entitled to Attendance Allowance you may be entitled to Pension Credit through the Severe Disability Premium
- You could have your Pension Credit claim backdated for 3 months if eligible.
For more information, see: gov.uk/pension-credit
To apply, call the Pension Credit helpline: 0800 99 1234
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Disability benefits: If you have a long term physical or mental health condition, you may be able to claim disability benefits. You can claim if you are working and/or have savings as these benefits are not means tested.
Attendance Allowance: For people over state pension age who have a severe disability mental or physical disability. It does not cover mobility needs. The other benefits you get can increase if you get Attendance Allowance.
To apply, call the Attendance Allowance helpline: 0800 731 0122
Disability Living Allowance: For children under 16 who have difficulty walking or need much more looking after than a child of the same age who does not have a disability.
To apply, call the Disability Living Allowance helpline: 0800 121 4600
Personal Independence Payment (PIP): For those with long-term conditions affecting your mobility or ability to carry out everyday tasks.
You can get PIP even if you’re working, have savings or are getting most other benefits.
To apply, call the Personal Independence Payment helpline: 0800 917 2222
For more information on help for people with disabilities see: https://www.gov.uk/financial-help-disabled
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Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA): In Wales, the Welsh Government funding via EMA which is a payment of £40 per week to people aged 16-18 on or before 31 August, who live in Wales and are studying in a school or college involved in the EMA scheme and are from a low income household.
For more information and to apply, see: https://www.gov.wales/education-maintenance-allowance
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Council Tax Reduction: Lower council tax bills if you claim certain benefits, live alone, if you or someone you live with has a disability meaning the home has facilities essential for that disability, or if you or someone you live with has a severe mental impairment including dementia, Alzheimer’s, profound learning difficulties, severe stroke if affecting cognition/social function. In Wales the Welsh Government provides funding to cover up to 100% of your Council Tax bill if eligible.
To apply contact Newport City Council: 01633 656656 or apply online via https://live.newport.gov.uk/council-tax/discounts-and-exemptions
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Help with Housing costs
Help To Stay Wales: A Welsh Government scheme to help people struggling with their mortgage costs.
More information can be found at : https://www.gov.wales/help-stay-scheme
Contact an advice agency such as Citizens Advice 03444 77 2020 or Shelter Cymru 08000 495 495
Discretionary Housing Payment: Anyone claiming housing benefit or help through Universal Credit can apply for a discretionary housing payment (DHP) if their benefit doesn’t cover the full cost of the rent. Applications are considered on a case by case basis so please seek advice before applying.
You can apply if your:
- local housing allowance is lower than rent in private rented property
- housing benefit or Universal Credit is lowered because of non-dependant deductions or housing costs contributions
- housing benefit or Universal Credit is reduced because you are of working age, and you have a spare bedroom in social rented property
- housing benefit or Universal Credit is reduced due to the benefit cap
A DHP can also help with:
- rent deposit
- rent in advance for a property you haven’t moved into yet (you must receive housing benefit on your current home)
- lump sum for costs like removals
Contact an advice agency such as Citizens Advice on 03444 77 2020, Citizens Advice Newport on 01633 222622, Shelter Cymru on 08000 495 495 or your Social Landlord/Housing Association if you rent from one.
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Help with bills
Warm Home Discount: This is a £150 credit on your electricity bill.
Following the UK Government’s announcement in June 2025, all billpayers receiving means-tested benefits on the qualification date of 24/08/25 will automatically qualify for the Warm Home Discount, provided their electricity supplier is part of the scheme.
Letters will be issued to eligible and potentially eligible citizens by January 2026 with more information.
If you are eligible for the Winter 2025/26 payment, the £150 credit will be applied to your electricity bill by the end of March 2026.
If you have not received confirmation by 1st February, but believe you qualify, please contact the Warm Home Discount Scheme on: 0800 030 9322
More information can be found on: https://www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme
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Winter Fuel Payment: A payment of between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2025 to 2026 if you were born before 22 September 1959.
Most people get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if they’re eligible.
If your income is over £35,000, HMRC will take your Winter Fuel Payment back. You can check if your income is over the threshold and how HMRC will take it back.
If you’re eligible, you’ll get a letter in October or November saying how much you’ll get. Most eligible people will be paid in November or December 2025.
For more information, see: https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment
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Cold Weather Payment: £25 payment for each 7 day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March for people receiving certain benefits.
You will receive this payment automatically if you are eligible, you do not need to apply.
For more information see: https://www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment
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Fuel vouchers: Help if you are on a prepay meter and can’t afford to top up.
Contact: Citizens Advice, your housing association or your energy supplier
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Welsh Government Warm Homes Nest scheme
Nest advisors give free, impartial advice on finding the best energy and water tariffs for your home, grants for energy efficiency and energy saving measures, help to lower energy bills and deal with with energy debt and accessing benefits.
You can contact Nest for free on: 0808 808 2244.
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Help from energy suppliers:
Many energy suppliers offer help to their customers who may be having difficulty paying their energy bills. Some suppliers only offer help to their own customers, but other schemes are open to everyone. Contact your own gas and electricity supplier to ask what help they offer their customers.
Some examples of schemes are:
British Gas https://www.britishgas.co.uk/energy/help-with-bills
Help is available for customers of British Gas and other companies who have fallen behind with their energy payments through the British Gas Energy Trust Energy Support Fund. Apply at: British Gas Energy Trust Fund Application Form
Octo Assist from Octopus Energy – various support available for Octopus Energy customers, including standing charge payment holidays, grants to help clear some of your bill and free electric blankets.
Octo Assist: Bill grants and help schemes | Octopus Energy
Ovo Energy – Extra Support Scheme https://www.ovoenergy.com/extra-support
Offers energy efficiency upgrades, free energy saving products such as heated throws and help with the cost of energy.
EDF Customer Support Fund edfmoreinfo.charisgrants.com
Help for EDF customers in the form of energy efficient and energy saving products such as heated throws, slow cookers, or larger kitchen appliances and help to clear money you owe on your energy bill.
EON Next Energy Fund https://www.eonnext.com/energy/guides/energy-fund
Help for Eon customers in the form of replacement kitchen appliances if yours are broken or use lots of energy and help to clear money owed on your energy bill.
Other schemes are available with other suppliers. Contact NEST who will be happy to check what you may be eligible for.
Tel: 0808 808 2244.
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Welsh Water/Dwr Cymru offers a number of schemes to help customers make bills more affordable:
HelpU: a cap on your water bill if you are on a low income.
Customer Assistance Fund: For people who owe money on their water bill and cannot afford to pay the money back within a set time. Your arrears can be cleared if you pay your normal bill.
WaterSure: A cap on your bill for households who use more water because of the size of the household or because someone needs to use more water due to a medical condition.
Cymuned Support Fund: 3 months ‘charge free’ for households on a low income where at least 1 person is in work and are struggling with their bills.
For more information and to apply, see dwrcymru.com/en/support-with-bills or contact 0800 052 0145
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Broadband social tariffs: cheaper broadband bills if you are on certain benefits.
For more information, see: Best broadband social tariffs – for those on benefits & low income
Free sim cards from the National Databank
https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org/our-services/national-databank You can’t apply directly, but speak to your support worker, housing association or contact Newport City Council for more information. Tel:01633 656656
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Discounted vehicle tax: 50% or 100% discount on your vehicle tax if either the car owner is a disabled driver or you have a certain type of vehicle.
For more information, see: https://www.gov.uk/get-vehicle-tax-exemption-disability
You can also go to a Post Office branch that deals with vehicle tax, or call the Post Office on 0845 722 3344.
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Cinema tickets
The CEA Card enables a disabled cinema guest to receive a complimentary ticket for someone to go with them when they visit a participating cinema.
For more information, see: https://www.ceacard.co.uk/
Tel: 01244 526 016.
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Grants: Money or vouchers that you might be able to get and don’t have to pay back
Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF):
- 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 and have had an emergency that means you don’t have money for food or prepay utilities. You do not have to be receiving benefits to apply
- Individual Assistance Payment (IAP) A grant for essential household items like kitchen appliances and furniture
For more information, see: https://www.gov.wales/discretionary-assistance-fund-daf
My team can help you apply
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Healthy Start Vouchers: Help with buying milk and healthy food. If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk.
To claim, speak to your midwife or health visitor or call 0300 330 7010.
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School Essentials Grant: Help with the cost of school uniform, coats, shoes, school activities and classroom essentials if your child is in Reception to Year 11.
For more information, see gov.wales/school-essentials-grant-help-school-costs
Contact Newport City Council: 01633 656656
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Other Grants: There are thousands of charitable organisations offering help and support to people who are struggling in the form of grants that do not have to be paid back. Eligibility criteria varies greatly and may depend on things like employment history, health conditions, union membership, where you live, and what you need help with.
For more information, see: https://grants-search.turn2us.org.uk/ or call: 0808 802 2000
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Food banks, community meals and community fridges
Alway Food Pantry: located at Alway Community Centre, Aberthaw Avenue, Alway, Newport. Open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9.30-11.00am.
Alway Warm Hub: located at Alway Community Centre, Aberthaw Avenue, Alway, Newport. Open for Tea and Toast Tuesdays 9.00-11.00am
Bettws Community Food Bank: Unit 19, Bettws Shopping Centre, Bettws, Newport. Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 11.00-12.00pm. Support worker referral needed.
Feed Newport Warm Hub and Food Pantry: located at Feed Newport, 92 Commercial Road, Pillgwenlly, Newport. Open Monday to Friday 10.00-2.00pm.
Food Cycle: Provides a free hot meal on Tuesdays 6.30pm at Community House, Eton Road, Maindee, Newport. For more information, see: https://foodcycle.org.uk/location/foodcycle-newport/
Maindee Food Pantry: located in Maindee Library, 79 Chepstow Road, Maindee, Newport. Everyone is welcome to take surplus food that has been donated by shops and individuals during opening hours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. For more information, see: https://www.maindee.org/pantry
Mibinii’s Kitchen, SHARE Centre Warm Hub Urban Circle: located at the SHARE Centre, Stow Hill, Newport. Open Mondays 9.00-11.00am.
Newport International Church Warm Hub: 7 Rockfield Street, Newport. Open Fridays10.30-12.00pm
New Testament Church Warm Hub: 173 Commercial Road, Pillgwenlly, Newport. Open Saturdays 6.00-8.00pm
Pill Food Pantry: located at Pill Millennium Centre, Courtybella Terrace, Pillgwenlly, Newport. Call for opening times: 01633 660262.
Raven House Trust Food Bank: 276-278 Cromwell Road, Somerton, Newport. Support worker referral needed.
SHARE Centre Warm Hub Urban Circle: located at the SHARE Centre, Stow Hill, Newport. Alternative Wednesdays and Thursdays 5.30-7.30pm. Call for more information: 01633 837484.
Stow Park Church and Community Centre Food Bank: 1 Brynhyfryd Road, Newport. Call for opening times: 01633 843730.
The Cab Warm Hub: 22 Cambrian Road, Newpor: Open Mondays 1.30-3.30pm, Tuesdays 11.00- 3.00pm and Thursdays 1.00-3.30pm.
Underwood Baptist Church Warm Hub Coffee Morning: Birch Grove, Underwood, Newport. Open Monday and Fridays 10.00-12.00pm.
For more information, contact Newport Citizens Advice on 01633 222622.
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Debt
- There is always more than one way to deal with debt.
- It is never too early or too late to seek help.
- There are lots of organisations who can help you.
- Never pay for debt advice.
Contact a money advice charity who will be able to help with options for creditors and bills.
Citizens Advice: 03444 77 2020 https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/wales/
Money Helper 0800 1387777 moneyhelper.org.uk
StepChange: 0800 1381111 https://www.stepchange.org/
Payplan: 0800 280 2816 https://www.payplan.com/
National Debtline: 0808 808 4000 https://nationaldebtline.org/
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Find lost money
My Lost Account helps you to trace any old bank, savings and premium bonds accounts.
For more information, see: https://www.mylostaccount.org.uk/ Tel: 01273 035 060
The Pension Tracing Service helps you find money you may have in old personal or workplace pensions
For more information, see:https://www.gov.uk/find-pension-contact-details
Tel: 0800 731 0175