Oil Price Rises
Because of the conflict in the Middle East, oil prices are uncertain and many people who use oil to heat their homes are finding it difficult to afford.
The UK Government has given £3.8 million to the Welsh Government to help households in Wales that rely on heating oil.
There are 2 ways to get support.
Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF)
Wales already has support for people who are off grid and struggling with fuel costs through the Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF). The Welsh Government has temporarily:
- Increased the amount you can get for heating oil to £750 per award
- Increased how often you can get this help: twice in 12 months, instead of once
Important: Anyone applying must have no savings, and all applications must come from an Approved Partner. There must be at least 3 months between awards.
To get help, you must:
- be in extreme financial hardship, for example you've lost your job, applied for benefits and waiting for your first payment and have no other means of financial support
- be experiencing an unexpected crisis has resulted in you not having money to buy food, gas and/or electricity or other essential items
- be in a crisis situation and in need of immediate financial support
- live in Wales
- be over 16 (there is no upper age limit for this grant)
- have no other money for example savings
Approved Partners in Ceredigion
Ceredigion Citizens Advice
Website: Oil price rises: what to do?
Telephone: 01239 621974 or 01970 612817
Care Society
Website: The Care Society - Homelessness and Support Services
Telephone: 0300 1400025
Ceredigion County Council (for families that are known to the Parenting and Family Support team)
Website: Parenting and Family Support - Ceredigion County Council
Telephone: 01545 570881
Barcud Housing Association (for Barcud tenants)
Website: Help with Oil and LPG heating costs - Barcud
Codi group (formerly Pobl)
Website: Camfan Lampeter
Telephone: 01570 421190
Support for people on the Council Tax Reduction Scheme (also known as Council Tax Benefit)
People on low incomes who use heating oil or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) will be eligible for a one-off £200 payment if they are on the Council Tax Reduction Scheme.
Further help and support
People worried about money or energy costs are encouraged to contact AdviceLink Cymru’s “Claim What’s Yours” helpline.
Free helpline: 0800 7022020
The helpline is available between 8am and 7pm from Monday to Friday and Saturdays 9am-1pm.
They can check if you’re entitled to benefits, pensions, help with care costs, or council tax reductions. Since 2020, this service has helped people access over £10.5 million in support.