Households experiencing financial difficulties are being offered greater support for the coming months to help their recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Money Support Scotland website, funded by the Scottish Government, will point users to a range of organisations committed to promoting the take-up of social security benefits, free debt advice and access to affordable credit.
Commenting on the new service, Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison said: “The impact of the pandemic on low income households has been profound. Many were struggling before but, as a result of Covid-19, they have been able to save less and some have taken on more debt."
She continued: “The unnecessary removal of the £20 Universal Credit uplift in October, the ending of the furlough scheme, and rising food and fuel costs have only added to financial concerns, however much the Scottish Government has moved to mitigate against them.
“We want to support people in need through these difficult times. We have taken forward a number of direct actions to get money to those who need it most, whether that be our £41m winter package or the introduction of the Scottish Child Payment.”
Our new Money Support Scotland website and campaign will spotlight the range of direct advice and support available and let people know they are not alone.
Citizens Advice Scotland Chief Executive Derek Mitchell said: “People are facing a perfect storm this winter, with rising costs and falling or stagnant incomes. Lots of people will be facing difficult decisions around their spending and increasing awareness of the benefits they are entitled to is crucial.
“During the pandemic we unlocked around £147 million for people, and more than half of the work we do is around income maximisation. The key message we want people to understand is you are not alone, and the CAB service is there to help.”
Online benefits calculators
You can use an independent benefits calculator to find out:
What benefits you could get
How to claim
How your benefits will be affected if you start work
These calculators are free to use, anonymous, and could indicate benefits you're missing out on.
Where to find help
Advice Direct Scotland
This new online tool is the first to fully integrate devolved benefits, including the new Scottish Child Payment.
It provides a free and impartial assessment of entitlement to a range of benefits such as Universal Credit, crisis grants and support payments.
Turn2us
Information on income-related benefits, Tax Credits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit and how your benefits will be affected if you start work or change your working hours
Policy in Practice
Information on income-related benefits, Tax Credits, contribution-based benefits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit, how these are calculated and how your benefits will be affected if you start work or change your working hours
entitledto
Information on income-related benefits, Tax Credits, contribution-based benefits, Council Tax Reduction, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit and how your benefits will be affected if you start work
What you will need
You will need accurate information about your:
Savings
Income, including your partner’s
Existing benefits and pensions (including anyone living with you)
Outgoings (such as rent, mortgage, childcare payments)
Council Tax bill
Get the latest money-saving and benefits news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our weekly Money newsletter here.
