Relaxation of Discretionary Assistance Fund rules in Wales to continue until 31 March 2021

Extension means that people facing hardship as a result of coronavirus pandemic can continue to make five, rather than three, claims in 12 month period

The Welsh Government has announced that changes to the Discretionary Assistance Fund that were introduced from 1 May 2020 in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic will continue until March 2021.

Announcing the continuation of the changes - under which people facing hardship as a result of the pandemic can make five, rather than three, claims in a 12 month period, and the 28 day claim limit is removed -  Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government Hannah Blythyn said -

'Coronavirus is still having a dramatic impact on individual and family finances and we still do not know what the full economic impact of the virus will be.

Many of the people whose circumstances have been adversely affected by the impact of Coronavirus are some of the already most vulnerable and the unprecedented nature of the pandemic means it is only right that we continue to support people.

As credit payment holidays and the UK Government furlough scheme ends, we will potentially see a further impact on people, pushing them into financial hardship. By extending the relaxations of the Discretionary Assistance Fund until the end of the financial year, we can ensure that everyone who needs support can access it.'

For more information, see Relaxation of Discretionary Assistance Fund rules extended from gov.wales