Cost of Living Support

Citizens Advice Scotland is Scotland’s largest independent advice network.
Their service is free and offers independent, confidential, impartial advice to everyone.

They provide advice and information on employment, housing, debt, benefits and consumer issues like energy bills.

Tel: 0800 028 1456

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The Scottish Government have developed a website to help people cope during the cost of living crisis.
It provides information on support with energy bills, council tax bills, rent and mortgages. It provides information on benefits that maybe available to you as well as a benefits calculator.
For families it provides information on support with early years and childcare costs as well as information on support with education costs.

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MoneyHelper is there to make your money and pension choices clearer. MoneyHelper aims to cut through the complexity, explain what you need to do and how you can do it. MoneyHelper has a range of content including articles and interactive tools that’s been designed to help everyone.

It’s there to help people clear their debts, reduce spending and make the most of their income. To support loved ones, plan ahead for major purchases and find out about entitlements. To build up savings and pensions, and know your options.

MoneyHelper is there to help put you in control with impartial guidance that’s backed by government and to recommend further, trusted support if you need it. For clear money help that’s on your side and free to use, just visit MoneyHelper.

National Debtline is a charity that gives free and independent debt advice over the phone and online. They have a range of resources which include debt advice fact sheets and a budget tool. They also offer support to businesses that are struggling with debt.

Their telephone lines are open:
Monday to Friday 9am – 8pm and Saturday 9:30am – 1pm
Tel: 0808 808 4000

Their webchat service is the quickest way to speak to an advisor.

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Shelter Scotland offers information and practical support to people struggling with bad housing or homelessness through their advice, support and legal services.  Their website offers information on a range of topics such as rent freeze, eviction ban, repossession and homelessness.

Tel: 0808 800 4444 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)

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Scotcash is a not-for-profit, social enterprise and a Community Interest Company (CIC). Founded with help from Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Housing Association, their main aim is to provide financial products and services to those who have difficulty accessing mainstream sources, such as banks and building societies.

What makes Scotcash different is that they provide an ethical lending alternative to home credit, payday lenders and rent-to-own retailers – as all of these can end up very costly. Any profits they make go straight back into the business to enable them to continue providing valuable help and services, so they do not distribute any profits to shareholders or owners. They are not in direct competition with banks and building societies, but instead aim to fill a gap in the market. All situations are taken on an individual basis and they aim to always provide their customers with the best advice and service. They are also a member of Responsible Finance, the national membership body for responsible finance providers.

The service they are most well-known for is their Affordable Credit, but they also offer help with basic bank accounts, Credit Union savings accounts and money advice for customers.

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Money Advice Scotland is Scotland’s money charity, they help people in debt and support money advisers. Their mission is to be the driving force towards financial wellbeing for the people of Scotland.

They offer a chat service with advisers as well as a range of tools (including a benefits calculator) and resources to help you manage your finances

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Email: info@moneyadvicescotland.org.uk