Discretionary Assistance Fund (Wales)
If you live in Wales and are in extreme financial hardship, you can apply online, or by post or phone, for an Emergency Assistance Payment: a grant that you do not pay back, towards essential costs such as food, gas, electricity or emergency travel.
Good to know
The fund says it takes 24 hours to process applications made Monday to Friday, and that if you apply after 12 pm on a Friday it will not contact you until the following Monday. It is closed on bank holidays: you can still apply online, but your application is not processed until it reopens. You cannot apply if you have had a grant in the last 7 days, or 3 grants in the last 12 months. You must be over 16 and have no other money, such as savings. Calls and letters in Welsh are welcome.
Before you call
Have ready
- the eligibility criteria: the page says to check them before you start your application
They can
- take an online application for an Emergency Assistance Payment, or an application by post or phone
- send a PayPoint voucher or a BACS payment for food, gas, electricity and emergency travel if you are approved
- point you to an approved partner who can help you apply
- take your call or letter in Welsh
They cannot
- process applications on bank holidays: you can still apply online, but it waits until the office reopens
- contact you until Monday if you apply after 12 pm on a Friday
- give a grant if you have had one in the last 7 days, or 3 in the last 12 months
- pay for ongoing bills that you cannot afford to pay
- take a complaint about a decision: if you do not agree with the outcome, use the decision review
In the emergency guides: My benefits were stopped, cut or refused → · A flood, fire or storm hit my home → · I just lost my job → · I have no money for food → · I got a shutoff notice →
- Phone
- 0800 859 5924
- Website
- https://www.gov.wales/discretionary-assistance-fund-daf
- Hours
- Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm. Closed on bank holidays.
- Coverage
- Wales
- Languages
- English, Welsh
- Last checked
- October 10, 2026
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