Step 2 Maximise your money 2 In Wales, the Discretionary Assistance Fund may help if you are in financial difficulty because of an emergency or disaster. It can give grants or provide items, such as white goods (for example, fridges and washing machines) to help with essential needs. It can also help vulnerable people to live independently. Go to www.beta.gov.wales and search for ‘Discretionary Assistance Fund for Wales’. Unhappy with a benefit or tax credit decision? You might have already applied for benefits or tax credits and been told that you aren’t entitled to any help, or to less than you thought. This can be disheartening. If you think that the decision is wrong, you can ask for your application to be looked at again. You may also be able to make an appeal. There are time limits for making these requests, so it is important that you act straightaway. You should also get specialist advice to help you explain why you think the decision is wrong. Contact us, so we can help you find a welfare benefits specialist. Page 41