More than £1 billion in benefits goes unclaimed in Wales every year, with people being urged to check whether they could be entitled to extra financial support.
The Welsh Government has launched its Claim What’s Yours campaign as households prepare for energy bills to reach their highest level in three years this winter.
The campaign is encouraging people to seek free advice before financial pressures build, with support potentially available to those who are employed, unemployed, studying or already claiming benefits.
People are being directed to the Advicelink Cymru helpline, a free, professional and confidential service funded by the Welsh Government.
Trained advisers can carry out a full benefits check over the phone to identify what support someone may be entitled to. They can also provide help throughout the claims process, including assistance with completing forms.
Advice is also available on debt, rent and bills, university accommodation costs and childcare expenses.
Last year, Advicelink Cymru and other Welsh Government-funded Single Advice Fund providers supported more than 79,000 people across Wales.
Together, they helped secure £75.6 million in additional income and helped people write off £21 million of debt.
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Equalities, Sioned Williams said:
“We know that people across Wales are feeling the intense pressure of rising costs, and for many families, money is not stretching far enough.
“Some of these pressures, like rising energy bills, are outside of the control of the Welsh Government. But we are using every power we have to help people manage the cost of living.
“Thousands of people could be missing out on money they’re entitled to, and just one free phone call can make a huge difference. We want to help people before they reach financial difficulty, and I encourage anyone struggling to call Advicelink Cymru for advice as soon as possible.
“We know many people will still need more support. With greater control over areas like social security, we could do so much more to help families through this cost-of-living crisis.”
The Welsh Government highlighted the case of Julia, a mother of four who was relying solely on Universal Credit and Child Benefits and struggling to meet rent and energy costs.
Advicelink Cymru identified further support that could be available to her, including a review of her Discretionary Housing Payment and better energy deals, helping to increase her family’s income.
Robin Jones, an adviser at Advicelink Cymru, said:
“Julia’s case is not a one-off. We regularly support people who aren’t aware of the financial help they may be entitled to, often after a change in circumstances or when they are struggling with essential costs such as loss of employment, health issues, housing issues, or a relationship breakdown.
“By understanding each person’s situation, we can identify the support available and help them access it. In Julia’s case, this could mean an extra £2,195 a month, easing the pressure of rent and energy bills and giving her family greater financial security.”
The Claim What’s Yours campaign forms part of a wider package of Welsh Government cost-of-living support.
This includes the Single Advice Fund, Discretionary Assistance Fund, Warm Homes Programme, fuel bank vouchers, free school meals, cheaper bus travel and universal childcare for children aged nine months to four years.
