Financial Help and Housing
Citizens advice can support and advise on many issues. These include income and work related topics, debt, loans/ credit. They also help with divorce, deaths, wills, benefits and much more.
They can also provide a variety of help with housing. This includes eviction, private renting, council and housing association properties. They also help with council tax, neighbour issues, student accommodation, subletting, lodging, mobile homes, squatters and mortgages.
Support for Families
When you have children in childcare or school, it can all add up. You may be entitled to financial help to stop money getting in the way of your child’s care and education.
Free School Meals
All primary school children in the Vale of Glamorgan are eligible for universal primary free school meals
School Essentials Grant
A School Essentials Grant is available to low income families to buy school uniform and other school essentials
Help with Childcare Costs
There is information on what support is available to help parents and carers with the cost of childcare
Help with Food
There are several food banks in the Vale of Glamorgan. If you’re struggling to pay for food, find out how to get help from a food bank.
Vale Food Bank works using a voucher referral system, working with many different agencies, including Citizens Advice, Flying Start, CELT+ and Mind. When you speak with a referral agency they will take some basic details from you to fill out the voucher.
If you are not in contact with a referral agency, follow the link for ‘how to get help’:
Food share schemes are also run across the Vale of Glamorgan and can provide help with food. Some are available within schools while others run from community organisations:
Grants and Benefits
You will need information (for both you and your partner) about your:
You can use an online benefits calculator to find out what benefits you can get. Do not assume that you won’t be eligible for anything.
- Savings
- Income
- Pension
- Childcare payments
- Any existing benefits your receive
Council Tax Reduction
If you’re on a low income, or a single occupant, you may be eligible for a Council Tax Reduction.
Carers Allowance
You could get a weekly allowance if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week.
Universal Credit
If you’re on a low income, out of work or you cannot work, you may be able to get help with your living costs.
Warm Spaces
This is a network of community spaces that offer a warm and inviting place to come together at no cost.
Some locations give tea and coffee, others set up activities and some offer support sessions from people who can help.
Housing
There is support available with housing if you are homeless or at the risk of becoming homeless.
The Vale Tenancy Support Drop-in Services offers:
- Housing related support
- Dealing with crisis
- Maintaining budgets
- Welfare benefits
The Vale of Glamorgan Council have launched a new tool to help people find the advice or support they need. You can also book an appointment to visit a Housing Solutions Officer in the Civic Offices in Barry.
The Money Advice Team
The Money Advice Team can offer council tenants who need support with financial matters on housing.
Llamau
Llamau give housing advice for young people aged between 16 and 25 and their parents or carers in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Housing Support
They can give assistance to those who are homeless, threatened with homelessness or are inadequately housed.
Dewis Cymru
If you are looking for more support with financial help or housing, you can visit Dewis Cymru. You will find more organisations and services that may help you with: