Thousands of people across Wales are missing out on financial
support they're entitled to, and a single phone call could change
that.
Around £1 billion in benefits goes unclaimed in Wales every year,
and the Welsh Government's Claim What's Yours campaign is urging
people to check what they can claim, with free, confidential
support from Advicelink Cymru.
Since 2020, more than £10.5 million has been returned to people
across Wales thanks to previous winter campaigns, including Welsh
and UK benefits, pensions, help with care costs, and council tax
reductions. Even people already receiving some benefits could be
eligible for more. On average, eligible claimants could receive
around £1,800 through Pension Credit or save £800 a year on
council tax.
Eleri, an Advicelink Cymru advisor, recently helped a woman whose
state pension and small private pension were being swallowed up
by rising bills, leaving little for essentials. After a full
benefit check, the woman discovered she was entitled to Pension
Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction. Eleri said:
"There are potentially tens of thousands of households across
Wales that could be eligible for Pension Credit, Council Tax
Reduction or other financial support, but just aren't claiming.
Thankfully, in this instance, the woman contacted Advicelink
Cymru and was able to increase her income by almost £1,000 per
month, which will make a significant difference to how she
manages her finances in the future and make life a little bit
easier.
“We would encourage anyone and everyone to get in touch with us,
even if they don't think they are eligible for anything, because
they could be missing out.”
This winter, a £100 payment is available for households receiving
both the Council Tax Reduction Scheme and Disabled Band
Reduction. Eligible households will be contacted directly by
their local authority, so there is no need to fill out forms to
apply. Anyone not eligible for this payment can still speak to
Advicelink Cymru about other support available.
The Welsh Government continues to support credit unions as a fair
alternative to high-cost lending. £3.4 million has been given to
credit unions since 2022-23 to expend their lending. This has
enabled more than 6,200 additional affordable loans to be
accessed by people who would otherwise be declined ethical
credit.
The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, , said: "The cost of living is
hitting households across Wales hard. We are doing all we can to
help people maximise their income and put money back into their
pockets. Whether you're struggling with daily expenses, managing
debt, or unsure about what help is available, there is support
for you in claiming the financial help you're entitled to. I
encourage anyone in need to get in touch with Advicelink Cymru
for guidance and free advice.”
Call Advicelink Cymru on 0800 702 2020 or visit gov.wales/claimwhatsyours
