AROUND 700 vulnerable residents in Torfaen will receive additional housing support after the end of the £20 Universal Credit uplift.

A temporary £20-a-week increase to Universal Credit was introduced at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, but this came to an end on Wednesday, October 6. 

The additional payment will not be included in this month's payment. 

To support some of the most vulnerable residents affected by the end of the increase, Torfaen council is increasing Discretionary Housing Payments by £4-per-week until March 2023.

The payments will help around 700 residents with their housing costs.

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Council leader Cllr Anthony Hunt said: "We want to take action where we can to help those in Torfaen it will impact upon. 

"We pledge to increase the level of Discretionary Housing Payments to the families impacted by this cut who are in receipt of ongoing payments by £4-per-week, to help offset the impact of the cut in their income. 

"It will also extend the money available in the scheme for new applicants."

The ending of the uplift to Universal Credit will affect more than 7,000 people in Torfaen.

Here are how the payments will change:

  • The 2021 payment for those who are single and under 25 will reduce from £344 to £257.33.
  • The 2021 payment for those who are single and 25 and over will reduce from £411.51 to £324.84.
  • The 2021 payment for a couple who are both under 25 will reduce from £490.60 (total) to £403.93 (total).
  • The 2021 payment for a couple who are both 25 and over will reduce from £596.58 (total) to £509.91 (total). 

If you need to apply for Discretionary Housing Payment, download the Torfaen Council app, or visit the Torfaen council website.

If you already receive a Discretionary Housing Payment, there is no need to reapply.

Also on the Torfaen council website is information about how to apply for other financial support, including Free School Meals and council tax reduction. 

For more information, you can contact Torfaen council’s benefits team via benefits@torfaen.gov.uk or by calling 01495 766430.