The Scottish Government has launched a new website providing information on the wide range of advice, information and financial support available to people across the country. Similar to the UK Government’s dedicated pages on GOV.UK, the site has been developed as a ‘one stop shop’ designed to help households struggling with the rising costs of daily living and soaring energy bills to find out if they are eligible for additional support.
The website also provides details on accessing benefits delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and devolved payments administered by Social Security Scotland. The online benefit calculators can help to identify unclaimed payments alongside a wider range of health and wellbeing information.
The website was launched by Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison during a visit to debt help service in Tollcross, Edinburgh, run by charity Christians Against Poverty.
Ms Robison said: “I know that people are struggling with the cost of living crisis right now and may not know where to turn for help. Our cost of living website is a trustworthy online resource with information on the wide range of vital support available.
“No one should feel alone in this crisis and this website, along with our campaign, aims to encourage people to find out if they are eligible for the extensive support available to access the advice they need.
“We want everyone to get all the financial support and help that is available so I would encourage people to apply for the payments they are entitled to - it might be just the lifeline that is needed right now.”
The Social Justice Secretary explained how the Scottish Government has allocated almost £3 billion over this financial year to contribute towards mitigating the increased cost of living crisis and the new website highlights the wide range of support at hand.
Ms Robison continued: “Our package spans a range of support, for energy bills, childcare, health and travel, as well as social security payments that are not available anywhere else in the UK. The website is an important signpost towards them all.
“The cost of living crisis is impacting every household in the UK and the Scottish Government will continue to do everything within its powers and finite budget to ensure people are supported as far as possible.”
Scotland National Director for Christians Against Poverty, Emma Jackson, said: “We are deeply concerned about the impact of rising costs on low income households. Even before rising costs, over a third (36%) of CAP clients had to borrow to meet essential living costs and we know the consequences of problem debt can be devastating for people.
“The new cost of living website from the Scottish Government is a welcome step in helping people to find and access all the vital support that is available to them, including steps to maximise income. People need to know help is available. Now, more than ever, we need to take every action possible to support households who are being hit the hardest by the cost of living crisis.”
Help during the cost of living crisis
Below is an overview of the help available on the Scottish Government’s new cost of living website.
Your local council may be able to help if you need urgent help with things like food, heating and electricity - contact your local council here.
Energy and bills
Household expenses, rents and travel costs are increasing. If you're finding that paying bills is becoming too difficult, you might be eligible for several benefits or schemes which could help.
Benefits and income
There are benefits, grants, and free services available which may help you increase your income, if balancing household costs is becoming too difficult.
Older or disabled people
Rising costs can have a bigger impact on some people including older people, disabled people and those who care for them. Make sure you're getting all the assistance you're entitled to.
Children and families
From free school meals or help with day-to-day costs, you could be eligible for support.
Debt and money
Anyone can find themselves overwhelmed by financial worries, but there's support and advice available to help you.
Health and wellbeing
The rising cost of living is on everyone’s mind and can have an impact on our mental health and wellbeing. If it’s feeling overwhelming, take the first step. Support and tips are available to help you cope with how you feel.
Full details on each topic, including benefit calculators can be found on the website here.
To keep up to date with the latest cost of living news, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook page here, or subscribe to our newsletter which goes out three times each week - sign up here.
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