Money Support
With the cost of living increasing, we understand that we may all need a little extra support with costs during this time. We've put together a list of financial support and discounts you may be eligible for.
You can also use our online benefits calculator to find out what benefits you can get. Do not assume that you won't be entitled to anything. You will need information about savings, income, pension, childcare payments and any existing benefits (for you and your partner).
Council Tax
Information about the different types of support and discounts for council tax.
This benefit helps people on low incomes to pay their council tax. You are eligible if you are claiming job seekers allowance or income support, or if your income is below a certain level. Also you are eligible if you are receiving universal credit.
You can check your eligibility in the My Account form ‘Apply for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction’.
If you are eligible but have not received a discount, you can apply online.
- If only one adult lives in a property, there is a discount of 25%
- Discount for severe mental impairment
- A discount of 25% or 50% may be available for:
- full-time students, student nurses, youth training trainees and apprentices
- residential hospital patients
- people being looked after in care homes
- severely mentally impaired people
- people staying in certain hostels or night shelters
- 18 and 19 year olds who are at or who have just left school
- low paid care workers who are usually employed by a charity
- people in prison
- members of religious communities, which means monks or nuns
- people caring for someone with a disability who is not a spouse, partner, or son or daughter under 18.
If your property has been adapted due to the disability of someone living there, you may qualify for decreased council tax.
To qualify, the property must have at least one of the following:
- an extra kitchen or bathroom used primarily by the disabled person
- enough floor space to use a wheelchair
- a room reserved to meet the disabled person’s needs such as a room used for dialysis
Education Support
Information and guidance about grants available for eligible pupils within Bridgend County Borough.
If you are claiming certain benefits, you may be eligible for free school meals for your child.
If you are the parent or guardian of a child in school, you may be eligible for a grant to help to pay for essential school items.
Allowances towards the cost of distinctive school clothing are made to pupils attending secondary schools. Allowances are payable at the start of each of the child’s first five years in secondary school.
Education Maintenance Allowance is payable to pupils and students in full time education after the age of 16. It is based on household income.
Support at Home
Information about support available to assist with housing and energy costs.
If you’re on a low income, out of work or you cannot work you may be able to get help with your living costs. Find out if you are entitled to Universal Credit.
Eligible households can claim a one-off £200 cash payment to provide support towards paying their winter fuel bills. This payment is in addition to the Energy Bill rebate being offered by the UK Government and the Winter Fuel Payment normally paid to pensioners.
Welsh Government fuel support scheme
If you’re on a low income, you may be able to get help with your rent to a social landlord.
This helps towards paying rent to a private landlord.
The Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) scheme helps people who may need further help with their housing costs. This is only if they are claiming housing benefit, local housing allowance or the housing element of universal credit.
Useful Links
- Step Change offers free, expert debt advice, and practical debt solutions.
- The Money Advice Service, Ask Ma, is a free, unbiased service that offers advice and help so people can make the most of their money.
- Bridgend’s Credit Union, Bridgend Lifesavers, offers savings, loans and other financial products to people normally excluded by high street banks or building societies.
- Citizens Advice Bureau gives free advice and helps solve problems with debt, consumer issues, benefits, housing, legal matters, employment, and immigration.
- Age Concern Morgannwg Ltd is a charity that improves the quality of life for older people in Rhondda Cynon Taff, Bridgend and Merthyr County Boroughs.