Low income homes in Wales will be eligible for a £200 payment to keep their homes warm this winter.

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

Previously, around 166,000 households on universal credit, legacy means-tested benefit and working tax credits qualified for the £200 Winter Fuel Payment.

The extension of the scheme will mean an extra 200,000 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.

People will be able to apply to their local authority for the scheme from September 26.

Social Justice Minister Jane Hutt said: “We know people across Wales are struggling to make ends meet during the cost-of-living crisis, as they see inflation, petrol, essential household items and energy bills all rising.

“We are targeting the Fuel Support Scheme at low-income households and extending the number of those eligible, as we understand how the winter months can be the hardest of the year and families face the difficult choice of heating or eating.

Claire Morgan, Director of Carers Wales, supported the move and said it would benefit carers and vulnerable people this winter: “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."