Finances

The uncertain situation at the moment is having an impact on jobs and income, with many people worrying about their financial future. Coronavirus is causing unexpected changes of plan and expenses for almost everyone. Worrying about money can affect your mental health and well-being, and poor mental health can make managing money harder.

There are many organisations that can provide advice and support to help you deal with the financial impacts of coronavirus. Accessing help and advice early can help you to avoid running into financial difficulty.

There are a range of Welsh Government advice and schemes about jobs, skills and financial support available in Wales.

Citizens Advice Cymru can help you with legal and money issues, and also provides support in a wide range of other areas by offering free, independent and confidential advice. You can call the Advicelink phone-line on 03444 77 20 20. Some of the web-pages you may find most useful at the moment are:

MoneyHelper from the Money & Pensions Service can help you access the information you need to make the right financial decisions, so that you make the most of your money. MoneyHelper provides bilingual information and guidance on steps you can take now to avoid money worries later on.

StepChange Debt Charity is the UK’s leading debt advice charity, helping people to take back control of their finances, and their lives. They offer free, impartial and confidential support, and every client receives expert, personalised advice to help them deal with their debts. StepChange offer online advice or can be contacted at 0113 138 1111 (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 8am-4pm).

Welsh Government Warm Homes, which includes the Nest scheme, looks to support people in Wales living on a lower income who receive a means tested benefit or live with a respiratory, circulatory or mental health condition.

Nest offers a range of free, impartial advice and, if you are eligible, a package of free home energy efficiency improvements such as a new boiler, central heating or insulation. This can lower your energy bills and benefit your health and wellbeing.

If you would like to know more about the Nest scheme and to see if you qualify, call Freephone 0808 808 2244 or visit www.nest.gov.wales.