For information on our Festive Hours and sources of support                              Read more
UPDATED: 2 December 2020
Useful resources for those facing financial difficulties as a result of the COVID-19 crisis
GENERAL
Citizens Advice Scotland has an online guide for the public with lots of useful information and links to further information.
Money Saving Expert offers a comprehensive guide on a range of financial topics related to Coronavirus. In particular there is information on the policies of specific financial providers such as mortgage providers, banks, and utility companies.
The Money Advice Service has a guide, particularly useful for those facing changes to employment and self-employment
UK Government Advice and Guidance on Coronavirus and Scottish Government Advice and Guidance on Coronavirus includes information relating to financial matters.
Money Advice Scotland provides advice on key topics with a focus on debt & financial hardship
EMERGENCY HELP WITH FOOD OR ESSENTIALS
For urgent help with essentials or in an emergency, you can apply to your local council for a crisis grant. You can also see here for information about foodbanks.
Ready Scotland provides more information on additional support to obtain essentials. In a crisis, you can also contact your local council social care team.
If you are facing financial difficulty you can also contact our team for advice
PRACTICAL ISSUES ACCESSING MONEY OR PAYING BILLS
Banks are offering support to vulnerable customers including setting up dedicated helplines, cash delivery services, and enabling trusted third parties to have limited access to their account. Contact your bank to see how they can help if you are having problems accessing your money.
Utility companies are offering support to prepayment customers who are having difficulty topping up their meter due to Coronavirus. Click here for more info.
If you need further information about any practical money issues you may be facing, please get in touch with us.
CLAIMING BENEFITS
It’s worth checking Government Information on Coronavirus and claiming benefits.
There have been a number of changes to the ways in which benefit claims are being processed and delivered. Visit the dedicated Citizens Advice page to find out If any of your benefits are affected.
Disability Benefit Face2Face Assessments have been replaced with telephone or paper-based assessments. Many Job Centre appointments are being conducted over the phone. Some award end dates have been extended, however seek advice if you are unsure at all about what applies in your case. Visit ASKCPAG for further details
Benefit Appeals & Tribunals are being conducted by telephone or video conference calls instead of face2face..More information
For a full benefit check to determine what you may qualify for, and for help with claims, please contact the team for advice.
EMPLOYERS/EMPLOYEES
To protect jobs, the government has brought in a number of schemes such as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Job Support Scheme. For information on what is currently available. See Guidance for Employees and Citizens Advice.
ACAS guide for Employers & Employees affected by Coronavirus
Business Gateway guidance for business owners affected by Coronavirus
Scottish Government and UK Government advice for businesses affected by Coronavirus.
Statutory Sick Pay available from Day 1 of sickness absence from work or self-isolation due to Coronavirus The Self-Isolation Support Grant may be available if you have been told to Self-Isolate and are in receipt of means-tested benefits.
Looking for more information? Click here for the full range of support measures for businesses in Scotland.
HOUSING
Shelter Scotland Housing Advice for those affected by Coronavirus and for the latest updates on protections that have been put in place.
DEBT
If you are struggling to meet bills and pay debts, see the following pages for useful advice and information:
Consider seeking expert advice about your options to resolve the situation. Contact our team for advice.
STUDENTS
Visit here for information on Coronavirus and Students.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP
We provide 1-2-1 advice about how to manage your household finances during this difficult time. To speak to an officer from the Financial Wellbeing Service, please click here for contact details.