MORE than 400,000 low-income households in Wales will be eligible to benefit from a £200 payment to help keep their homes warm this autumn and winter.

The Welsh Government is investing £90 million in its Fuel Support Scheme to recognise the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on those struggling to pay their energy bills.

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The extension of the scheme will mean nearly 200,000 more households on child tax credits, pension credits, disability benefits, carers allowance, contributory benefits and those receiving help from the Council Tax Reduction Scheme to pay their council tax bill will now be eligible.

It’s being extended as the impact of the current cost of living crisis is greatest on low-income households, exacerbated by the increase in the domestic energy cap rise in April.

Previously, around 166,000 households on universal credit, legacy means-tested benefit and working tax credits benefitted from the £200 2021/22 Winter Fuel Payment.

Social justice minister Jane Hutt said the scheme was being extended so the most vulnerable struggling to make ends meet could afford to keep their homes warm during the cold winter months.

The extended Fuel Support Scheme includes the £4 million announced last month for a fuel voucher scheme to support those on prepayment meters and households not connected to mains gas.

There is expected to be a further rise in the cost of energy and standing charges in the autumn. People with prepayment meters are the most susceptible to rising costs and increased standing charges.

Claire Morgan, Director of Carers Wales, said: “Carers Wales welcomes this announcement as we had asked for the eligibility criteria to be extended to include Carers Allowance and other legacy and contributory benefits to support the maximum number of unpaid carers.

“Our research shows that carers were already struggling to manage financially, and this has been intensified by the impact of the cost of living crisis.

“Carers are raising significant concerns about how they will cope this winter, so all that can be done to help alleviate the pressure is much appreciated."