We continue to face rising costs in food, energy prices, inflation on goods and services and anxiety over budgeting at home. We have put together some information and guidance to help you throughout this time.
It is really important to let us know if you are struggling to pay your rent as there are lots of ways we can help you and your family, so please don’t bury your head in the sand.
Here is a list of support you could be entitled to:
Our Payment Advice Team – Are here to help if you are having problems paying your rent and they can support you to ensure you are free from worry, managing to pay your rent and receiving everything you are entitled to. You can view our support page here or you can call us on 01443 424200 Also, you can email: [email protected]
Universal Credit – This benefit is aimed at those who are of working age you can find more information on the Turn2Us website or speak to your RHA Payment Advisor.
Housing Benefit – If you are on a low income, you may be able to apply for Housing Benefit to help with rent costs and/ or Council Tax Reduction to help with council tax costs. You can make an application by calling 01443 425002 or visiting RCTCBC’s website.
Discretionary Housing Payments – These payments can be made to top up your housing benefit or universal credit. They can cover all sorts of shortfalls but typically the bedroom tax, benefit cap or a non-dependent deduction. You can make an application by emailing: [email protected] or visiting RCTCBC’s website for discretionary housing payment advice information.
Foodbank donations – If you need help with a food donation then you can access a local foodbank. Your Payment Advisor can arrange for a foodbank voucher so please call us on 01443 424200 or email [email protected]
RHA’s Community Fridges – In our Little Shed community hub in Tonypandy we have several community fridges which help us prevent food waste and battle climate change. There is no charge for any of the food we offer and it’s open to everyone in our communities.
RHA’s Grub Hub – Our Grub Hub food donation project support tenants and community members in hardship to prevent good quality food going to landfill and we offer volunteering opportunities for those who want to give something back to their community.
Hubbub – Is a partnership charity that brings businesses, organisations, local authorities and community groups together to prevent food waste. Take a look at their website to find a Community Fridge near you.
There are lots of ways to reduce your household bills:
Cheaper water bills with Dwr Cymru – Welsh Water’s Help U scheme.
Warm Home Discount – You could get £150 off your electricity bill for winter 2023 to 2024 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme. The money is not paid to you but is a one-off discount applied to your electricity bill between early October 2023 and 31 March 2024.
Advance payment of Universal Credit – Speak to your Payment Advisor for help and advice in applying or take a look at the GOV.UK website for further information.
Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF) – DAF provides 2 types of grant that you do not need to pay back. And Emergency Assistance Payment (EAP) or Individual Assistance Payment (IAP). Apply via the Welsh Government website or ask for support from your Payment Advisor.
Phone and Internet – BT / Virgin Media / Uswitch Or find the best deals and switch your package – but shop around.
Warm Wales – Warm Wales provide energy advisors and community workers to help provide advice, referrals, and access to grants such as gas connection grants to ensure no one is living in cold homes. They can offer advice or support for you reduce your energy bills, apply for schemes and support those affected mentally by fuel poverty.
Fuel Bank – Speak to your Payment Advisor about getting a Fuel Bank voucher and receiving support or you can email us on: [email protected]
You can you get independent debt advice which is free, impartial and confidential with:
RHA’s Be Active wellbeing programme:
Supported links:
There are lots of ways to save money on travel:
Starting or maintaining a family can be expensive, did you know about:
There are lots of community hubs in RCT that offer ways to connect with members of your community and enjoy safe warm spaces.
The rising cost of living is a worry to a lot of people in Wales. The Welsh Government has support available that could help you ease some of your living costs. To find out more about the support available visit: gov.wales/heretohelp Or call Advicelink Cymru for free today on 0808 250 5700 to claim what’s yours.