Local residents who are struggling to pay their rent or move into a new rented home could be eligible to claim help through Powys County Council.
A fund has been set up to help people affected by welfare reforms such as the benefit cap, removal of the spare room subsidy and changes to Local Housing Allowance rates, including the four-year freeze. However, the council said others could be eligible too.
To be eligible you must be receiving Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit. Help can be given over the phone by calling 01597 827462.
“If you are struggling to pay your rent or want to move to a new home that is more suitable, but don’t have enough money, get in touch,” said Councillor David Thomas, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Transformation.
“Submit an application and the council will consider your individual circumstances to determine if you qualify, how much you will receive, and for how long.”
Discretionary Housing Payments can be used to cover:
Complete the Discretionary Housing Payment claim form online: https://en.powys.gov.uk/discretionaryhousingpayments
They cannot be used to cover council tax, but if you are struggling to pay, it is worth checking if you are eligible for a council tax reduction: https://en.powys.gov.uk/article/4813/Council-Tax-reductions
Powys County Council also has a money advice service that can help with financial difficulties and offers guidance on bills, benefits and debt: https://en.powys.gov.uk/moneyadvice