The Welsh government today announced that the Winter Fuel Support Scheme payment will be doubled to £200 as the cost-of-living crisis intensifies.
The £100 one-off payment, which was launched in December, is now being extended to support eligible households with rising energy bills and costs, the Minister for Social Justice Jane Hutt has confirmed.
The funding is part of the Welsh government’s Household Support Fund, which is providing £51m of support for families and the most vulnerable.
‘Right across Wales, people are seeing their bills rise and wages are being stretched like never before. From energy bills, to prices at the pumps and the costs of everyday essentials,’ said Ms Hutt.
‘We know some people are facing the incredibly difficult decision about whether they heat or eat. We’re in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, which is getting worse.
‘Our £51m Household Support Fund targeted support at families across Wales. We know these initiatives are working and making a real difference to the lives of low income households.
‘That’s why I’m delighted to announce we’re going to extend support to households by doubling the Winter Fuel Support Scheme payment. We’re increasing the £100 payment to £200 and this will be available to new applicants and retrospectively paid to those who have applied already.’
