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Cost of Living Hub

We want to make sure all Flintshire residents are aware of the financial help and household support available to them - click on the links below to Find out more.

It is never too late to seek help and advice 

Help with heating oil costs

Rising oil prices mean some households are finding it difficult to afford heating costs.

Funding has been provided by the UK Government to support households in Wales who rely on heating oil.

There are different types of support available:

1 - Support if you receive Council Tax Reduction

If you are on a low income and receive support through the Council Tax Reduction Scheme, you may be eligible for additional help with heating costs.

  • For households who:
    • receive the Council Tax Reduction Scheme, and
    • use heating oil or liquid petroleum gas (LPG)

May be eligible for a one-off £200 payment.

Please note – If you do not qualify for ‘1’, you can still apply for ‘2’.

2 - Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF)

The Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF) can help if you are struggling to pay for essential costs, including heating.

The Welsh Government has temporarily increased the support available:

  • You can get up to £750 towards heating oil
  • You can apply twice in a 12 month period
  • There must be at least 3 months between applications

Important

  • You must have no savings
  • Applications must be made through an approved partner (see below).

Who can apply

You may be able to get help if you meet all of the following:

  • You are experiencing extreme financial hardship
  • You are facing an unexpected crisis and cannot afford essentials such as food or fuel
  • You need immediate financial support
  • You live in Wales
  • You are aged 16 or over
  • You have no available money, including savings

What to do next

If you think you may be eligible, you should approach an approved partner who can apply on your behalf.

Approved partners

Flintshire County Council Welfare Reform Response Team

Website - Flintshire County Council - Welfare Response Team

Tel: 01352 704848

Email: wrrt@flintshire.gov.uk

Flintshire Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) 

Website - https://flintshirecab.org.uk
Tel: 0800 702 2020

Latest update

The Welsh Government announced this support on 31 March 2026.

Full details of the scheme are not yet available. Local authorities are waiting for further guidance regarding how this scheme will operate.

Further updates will be published when available.

New Food Provisions in Flintshire - Easter 2026

Supermarket cafes, chain restaurants and food venues all around the UK are offering the 'Kids Eat Free' or Kids Eat for £1 deal during school holidays.

Asda

Adsa

Brewers Fayre

Brewers Fayre

Table Table

Table Table

Morrisons

Morrisons

Tesco

Tesco

Sainsbury's Cafe

Sainsbury’s Cafes

IKEA

IKEA

Bella Italia

Bella Italia

Beefeater Logo

Beefeater

Dunelm Logo

Dunelm

Toby Carvery

Toby Carvery

Prezzo

Prezzo

Frankie and Benny's Logo

Frankie and Benny's

TGI Fridays

TGI Fridays

New Gwella Activities - Easter 2026

Your child has the opportunity to attend a Community Sports Hub trip to one of the following activities below. The trip will take place as a reward for attendance to our Community Sports Hubs. All attendees who have been given the opportunity to attend will need to make their own way to the sessions but there will be no cost to participate in the activity.

In the first week of the holidays, alongside the Bowling session, our team will be delivering an Active Communities Roadshow, with activities for all ages, including inflatables. Please see the poster for more information.

DateActivityAgesLocationTimeBooking
1st April Bowling 8-16 Years Jade Jones Pavillion 10:00am - 11:00am Via Bookwhen Link
7th April Bowling 8-16 Years Jade Jones Pavillion 10:00am - 11:00am Via Bookwhen Link
7th April Inflatable Park 6-16 Years Deeside Leisure Centre 4:00pm - 5:00pm Via Bookwhen Link
8th April Inflatable Swim 6-16 Years Cambrian Aquatic Sports Centre 1:30pm - 2:30pm Please call 01244 956595
8th April Indoor Climbing 10-16 Years The Boardroom, Sandycroft 2:30pm - 4:00pm Via Bookwhen Link
9th April Ice Skating 10-16 Years Deeside Leisure Centre 2:00pm - 4:00pm Via Bookwhen Link

If attending the Ice Skating, skating hire will be provided on the day but if you have your own skates, you may bring them. 

Please ensure that you arrive at least 15 minutes before all sessions start to maximise participation.

Anyone attending is reminded to wear appropriate kit and are advised to bring plenty of drinks with them. There will be an opportunity to buy refreshments at the sites, if you wish your child to do so.

All these sessions are free and aimed to provide young people opportunities locally. To book on to the sessions, please use the link below: 

Bookwhen Link

If you have any questions or would like to discuss some of the activities available, please contact josh.mcewan@gwella.wales.

Please note bookings cannot be made via email.

New Play Development - Easter 2026

PlayDevEaster2026-1

PlayDevEaster2026-2

Logo Croeso Cynnes

Croeso Cynnes / Warm Welcome Project

Whether you are looking for things to do for you and the family or if you would just like a warm welcoming space to have a chat and refreshments, there are a number of locations across Flintshire who want to offer you a warm welcome during the winter months.

Find out more

Categories

Click a button to skip to the relevant area

Cost of Living
Benefits
Children and Schools
Community Support
Employment
Food
Health
Housing and Bills
Other Websites
Transport
Welfare Reform Team

Cost of Living

Discretionary Housing Payment

If you are responsible for paying rent in Flintshire and you are on a low income, you may be able to get help with some or all of your rent.

On this page:

  • Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction
  • Discretionary Housing Payment

Discretionary Housing Payment Find out more

Advicelink Cymru

You may be entitled to more benefits than you think. Are you missing out?

Every year thousands of eligible households miss out on unclaimed benefits.

Advicelink Cymru’s friendly and professional team are here to help make it easier to check and claim what’s yours.

Advicelink Cymru Find out more

Over £55 Million in Unclaimed Benefits Across Flintshire

Over 17,000 Flintshire residents are not receiving the financial assistance they’re entitled to, equating to an estimated 70,000 missed claims.

From January to December 2025, the Welsh Government is spearheading a project involving 12 local authorities across Wales to reach out to residents who might not realise they’re eligible for additional support. This new initiative builds on past successes, with the aim of expanding support to even more households in need.

Working alongside Policy in Practice, a data analytics company, the Council will utilise the Low-Income Family Tracker (LIFT) platform to identify residents who may be missing out on financial help. By using this data-driven approach, the Council will be able to design and implement campaigns that target the most vulnerable communities. According to Policy in Practice, over £2 billion of benefits remain unclaimed in Wales each year, highlighting the significant impact of this project.

Benefits

Benefits Calculator

You can use an independent, free and anonymous benefits calculator to check what you could be entitled to.

How much you get depends on your income and circumstances. Use the government’s benefits calculator (external link) to check what financial help you could be entitled to.

Use the government’s benefits calculator

Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a disability severe enough that you need someone to help look after you.

Attendance Allowance Find out more

Council Tax Reduction

If you are responsible for paying Council Tax in Flintshire and you are on a low income, you may be able to get help with some or all of your Council Tax bill.

Council Tax Reduction Find out more

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

You can apply for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) if you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work.

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) Find out more

Free School Meals (eFSM) and School Essentials Grant

Some families who meet certain criteria, for example those on lower incomes or in receipt of certain benefits, are entitled to receive a free school meal (eFSM).

On this page:

  • Free School Meals (eFSM)
  • School Essentials Grant (PDG)

Free School Meals (eFSM) and School Essentials Grant Find out more

Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)

You can apply for New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) to help you when you’re looking for work.

Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) Find out more

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Personal Independence Payment can help with extra living costs if you have both:

  • a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability
  • difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of your condition

You can get PIP even if you’re working, have savings or are getting most other benefits.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Find out more

Pension Credit

Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges.

Pension Credit Find out more

Universal Credit

Universal Credit provides financial support for low-income households and it replaces the following benefits; Housing Benefit, Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit.

Universal Credit Find out more

Children and Schools

Education Maintenance Allowance

You may be eligible to receive a £30 weekly EMA award if:

  • you are above the compulsory school age
  • you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 years old on or before the 31 August
  • you normally live in Wales
  • you are studying an eligible full-time academic or vocational course

Education Maintenance Allowance Find out more

Childcare Offer for Wales - 3 to 4 year old (30 hours)

The Childcare Offer provides 30 hours of government funded Early Education and childcare to the working parents of 3 to 4 year olds across Wales for 48 weeks per year.

Childcare Offer for Wales - 3 to 4 year old (30 hours) Find out more

Free School Meals (eFSM) and Uniform Grants

Some families who meet certain criteria, for example those on lower incomes or in receipt of certain benefits, are entitled to receive a free school meal (eFSM).

On this page:

  • Free School Meals (eFSM)
  • Uniform Grant (Pupil Development Grant)

Free School Meals (eFSM) and School Essentials Grant Find out more

Healthy Start

If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk. 

Eligible pregnant women and families can also receive free vitamins through the Healthy Start scheme.

Healthy Start Find out more

Tax-Free Childcare

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding families to not miss out on up to £2,000 a year towards their child’s wraparound care.

Tax-Free Childcare Find out more

Real Nappy Scheme

If you live in Denbighshire or Flintshire and your child is aged between 0 and 18 months old, you may be entitled to vouchers worth up to £75 to be used in part-payment for either the purchase of real nappies or a Real Nappy Laundry Service.

Real Nappy Scheme Find out more

Community Support Hubs

Rivertown Church, Chester Rd West, Shotton, CH5 1BX

Opening Times

  • Monday 9am - 12:30pm
  • Wednesday 9am - 12:30pm
  • Friday 9am - 12:30pm 

Kim Inspire, The Hub Park Lane, Holywell, CH8 7UR

Opening Times

  • Wednesday 9:30am - 3:30pm
  • Friday 9:30am - 3:30pm

Phone lines open Monday - Friday: 9:30am - 3:30pm - 01352 872 189

PHILS Hub, Salvation Army, Dee Rd, Connah's Quay, CH5 4NX

Opening Times

  • Friday 2pm - 4pm

Employment

Claim tax relief for your job expenses

You might be able to claim tax relief if:

  • you use your own money for things that you must buy for your job
  • you only use these things for your work

Claim tax relief for your job expenses Find out more

Communities for Work Plus

Communities for Work Plus is a Welsh Government programme. We have a dedicated team available across Flintshire providing one-to-one mentoring and advice.

Communities for Work Plus Find out more

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

You can apply for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) if you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work.

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) Find out more

Find your local job centre

Your local Jobcentre Plus can provide support to help you prepare for, find, and stay in work

Find your local job centre Find out more

Free broadband

Jobseekers can get six months of free high quality broadband with no contract and no credit check required.

Free broadband Find out more

Healthy Working Wales

Healthy Working Wales has launched new guidance for employers on “The Cost of Living Crisis”.

Healthy Working Wales Find out more

Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)

You can apply for New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) to help you when you’re looking for work.

Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) Find out more

Universal Credit

Universal Credit provides financial support for low-income households and it replaces the following benefits; Housing Benefit, Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit.

Universal Credit Find out more

Food

We don’t think any of our residents in Flintshire should have to go hungry, please find a list of food provisions below if you require any support.

Health

Help with Health Costs

Information on guidance and services that can support you with health costs

Help with Health Costs Find out more

NHS Wales - Mental Health Hub

NHS Wales mental health and wellbeing hub contains useful information and resources to help you access the range of support that you may need.

NHS Wales - Mental Health Hub Find out more

Mind - Money and mental health

Mind - Money and mental health

Mind - Money and mental health Find out more

Trussell Trust

Trussell Trust provide a list of foodbanks available in Flintshire

Trussell Trust Find out more

Well-Fed

A partnership between Flintshire County Council, Clwyd Alyn Housing Association and Can Cook with an aim to 'feed-everyone-well' regardless of income.

Well-Fed Find out more

Housing and Bills

Cold Weather Payment

You may get a Cold Weather Payment if you’re getting certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest. You’ll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below over 7 consecutive days.

Cold Weather Payment Find out more

Council Tax Reduction

If you are responsible for paying Council Tax in Flintshire and you are on a low income, you may be able to get help with some or all of your Council Tax bill.

Council Tax Reduction Find out more

Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF)

The Discretionary Assistance Fund provides 2 types of grant that you do not need to pay back.

On this page:

  • Emergency Assistance Payment (EAP)
  • Individual Assistance Payment (IAP)

Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF) Find out more

Disabled Facilities Grant

Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is a type of financial assistance used to help with adapting the home.

Disabled Facilities Grant Find out more

Discretionary Housing Payment

If you are responsible for paying rent in Flintshire and you are on a low income, you may be able to get help with some or all of your rent.

On this page:

  • Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction
  • Discretionary Housing Payment

Discretionary Housing Payment Find out more

Discounts and Offers

View offers available from businesses to help with groceries, retail, utilities and more.

Discounts and Offers Find out more

Dŵr Cymru / Welsh Water - Get Water Fit

It's easy to save water, energy and money with Get Water Fit

Dŵr Cymru / Welsh Water - Get Water Fit Find out more

Dŵr Cymru / Welsh Water - Support with bills

Support with bills - there are a number of ways Dŵr Cymru may be able to help make bills more affordable.

Families who receive the pupil development grant and are in receipt of a means tested or disability benefit may also be entitled to help towards their water bills.

Dŵr Cymru / Welsh Water - Support with bills Find out more

Dŵr Cymru / Welsh Water - Save Water

Little changes make a big difference. Although rain falls freely from the sky, we put a lot of work, energy, and love into delivering every drop.

Dŵr Cymru / Welsh Water - Save Water Find out more

Energy Saving

Find information about support currently available to Flintshire residents to help reduce energy usage/utility bills.

Contact the Domestic Energy Efficiency Project Team

  • 01352 703443
  • deepadmin@flintshire.gov.uk

Energy Saving Find out more

Fuel Bank Foundation

The Foundation has built a network of more than 100 referral partners in Wales who are responsible for undertaking an initial assessment of need before referring customers to the Foundation for help. This includes vouchers for those with pre-payment meters and help with the cost of fuel for off-grid households.

For a list of referral partners in your area contact help@fuelbankfoundation.org.

Fuel Bank Foundation Find out more

Help to Stay Wales

The Help to Stay – Wales scheme can offer support to those who are either:

  • having financial difficulty paying their existing mortgage
  • facing financial difficulty paying their existing mortgage

Help to Stay Wales Find out more

Help with your TV Licence

Qualifying customers can choose from either a fortnightly or monthly payment plan that spreads the cost of a TV Licence over 12 months. This means you make smaller payments more frequently, helping you to better manage your finances.

There are other TV Licence concessions, which you might be eligible for depending on your circumstances. There are concessions available for:

Help with your TV Licence Find out more

Household Costs

Find out about the help available with household costs.

Household Costs Find out more

Housing Benefit

If you are responsible for paying rent in Flintshire and you are on a low income, you may be able to get help with some or all of your rent.

On this page:

  • Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction
  • Discretionary Housing Payment

Housing Benefit Find out more

Housing Solutions

If you want to apply for social housing or are at risk of becoming homeless, Housing Solutions can help you.

Housing Solutions Find out more

Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)

If you’re a homeowner, you might be able to get help towards interest payments on your mortgage or loans you’ve taken out for certain repairs and improvements to your home.

Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) Find out more

Warm Home Discount Scheme

You could get £140 off your electricity bill for winter 2023 to 2024 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme. The discount will not affect your Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment.

Warm Home Discount Scheme Find out more

Watersure Tariff

Available to qualifying customers who already have a water meter, or opt in to have a water meter fitted. 

Watersure Tariff Find out more

Welsh Government Warm Homes Programme

Nest - Helping make homes warmer and more energy efficient.

Welsh Government Warm Homes Programme Find out more

Winter Fuel Payment

If you were born on or before 25 September 1956 you could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’.

Winter Fuel Payment Find out more

Other Websites

Citizens Advice

Information and advice on a vast range of topics including benefits, debt, employment, consumer, housing, discrimination, education & relationships.

Citizens Advice Find out more

Claim what's yours

Many people are unaware they may be entitled to benefits that could offer them the support they need.

If you are unsure about what benefits you can claim, Advicelink Cymru can help you check and claim what’s yours.

Claim what's yours Find out more

Cost of Living - Stay Fire Safe

All Fire and Rescue Services in Wales and Public Health Wales are urging people to take simple steps to protect themselves from accidental fires and carbon monoxide poisoning as they look to keep warm and cut energy use this winter.

Cost of Living - Stay Fire Safe Find out more

Gov.wales - Get help with the cost of living

Financial support that might be available to help you.

Gov.wales - Get help with the cost of living Find out more

Healthy Working Wales

Healthy Working Wales has launched new guidance for employers on “The Cost of Living Crisis”.

Healthy Working Wales Find out more

Help for Households

See what support is available to help with the cost of living and find out how to save money with our energy saving tips.

Help for Households Find out more

Turn2Us Benefits Calculator

Millions of people are missing out on thousands of pounds. Check what you are entitled to now.

Turn2Us Benefits Calculator Find out more

Transport

Blue Badges

Apply for a blue badge or renew an existing badge.

Blue Badges Find out more

Help with Transport Costs

Find out what’s available to help with transport costs.

Help with Transport Costs Find out more

Senior Citizen Concessionary Railcards

How to apply for or renew a Senior Railcard.

Senior Citizen Concessionary Railcards Find out more

Transport for Wales Concessionary Travel Card

If your primary address is in Wales and you’re either aged 60 and over or meet the Government’s disability eligibility criteria, you can travel for free on most bus services in Wales and the borders and get discounted or free travel on many rail services

Transport for Wales Concessionary Travel Card Find out more

Mytravelpass

16-21 years old? Save approx 30% on bus travel in Wales

Mytravelpass Find out more

Welfare Reform Team

Buckley Warm Welcome Hub

Buckley Cross Community Centre, Buckley, CH7 2JL

Fortnightly: Wednesday 1pm-3pm

Upcoming dates:

  • 28 January 2026
  • 11 February 2026
  • 25 February 2026
  • 11 March 2026
  • 25 March 2026
  • 08 April 2026
  • 22 April 2026
  • 06 May 2026
  • 20 May 2026

Flint Hub Age Connects

Age Connects Lewis House, Swan Street, CH6 5BP

Fortnightly: Thursday 10am-12pm

Upcoming dates:

  • 29 January 2026
  • 12 February 2026
  • 26 February 2026
  • 12 March 2026
  • 26 March 2026
  • 09 April 2026
  • 23 April 2026
  • 07 May 2026
  • 21 May 2026

The Table at St. Peter’s, Holywell

St Peter's Church, Rosehill, Holywell, Flintshire, CH8 7TL

Fortnightly: Monday 12pm-2pm

Upcoming dates:

  • 26 January 2026
  • 09 February 2026
  • 23 February 2026
  • 09 March 2026
  • 23 March 2026
  • 20 April 2026
  • 18 May 2026

Ty Calon - Deeside

Ty Calon, Queensferry Campus, Chester Road West, Deeside, CH5 1SA

Fortnightly: Thursday 1pm-3pm

Upcoming dates:

  • 29 January 2026
  • 12 February 2026
  • 26 February 2026
  • 12 March 2026
  • 26 March 2026
  • 09 April 2026
  • 23 April 2026
  • 07 May 2026
  • 21 May 2026

Sandycroft Hub Pantry

The Old Brown Chapel, Watkin Street, Sandycroft, Deeside, CH5 2PN

Fortnightly: Friday 9:30am-12:30pm

Upcoming dates:

  • 30 January 2026
  • 13 February 2026
  • 27 February 2026
  • 13 March 2026
  • 27 March 2026
  • 10 April 2026
  • 24 April 2026
  • 08 May 2026
  • 22 May 2026