Are you getting the help
to which you are entitled?
As the pandemic continues it is clear that virtually every area of our lives is being affected. But for those on low incomes and/or benefits, the pandemic is hitting them hardest of all. We cannot simply look the other way; we must respond to need where we are aware of it.
Part of the response will be on a personal level but it is also important to know what assistance is being offered by government agencies - and to broadcast this information as widely as possible.
We list below some important pieces of information which you may find helpful for yourself or for people you know.
Please let us know of any updates or corrections to this information and please let us know of ones we have missed off the list.
Citizens Advice Edinburgh
Telephone Helpline
0131 510 5510 (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm)
https://www.citizensadviceedinburgh.org.uk/phone
There are five bureau and thirteen outreach locations across the city, where you can access information, advice and practical support on any issue. They also provide a Home Visiting service for people with reduced mobility.
During lockdown, you speak with the receptionist and will get a phone call back from an adviser.
Please note, it may take a couple of days due to the volume of calls.
Services include (but are not limited to): money advice, benefits, immigration, employment, housing, consumer issues, family problems, health services, legal rights and responsibilities.
Online information on all welfare issues, from employment to benefits, housing to debt, is available on
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/
Scottish Government & The Parent Club
Parental Employability and Financial Support Campaign
Parent Club have launched a new
campaign to help families who were already struggling and are now feeling completely overwhelmed by the additional pressures brought on by the current economic crisis. On the
Parent Club website, parents and carers will find advice and be guided to trusted advisors. These Money Talk Team and Local Authority Employment advisors offer free confidential advice to those with money or employment worries.
Warm Homes Discount
Scottish Power, E.ON and Npower
are accepting applications for the warm home discount, providing support towards winter electricity bill. If your annual income is less than £16,190 per year, contact your supplier to check if they are part of the scheme and ask to make an application.
Changeworks
Accepts referrals from professionals for people who will benefit from energy advice and fuel billing/debt support.
For more information visit
here
Energy Saving Trust
If you’re worried about your energy bills or struggling call
0808 808 2282. Calls are free Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm.
Request a call back on the
website
Red Cross Hardship fund for individuals and families, can offer support with food and toiletries, somewhere to sleep, access to a phone or the internet, fuel to cook, keep lights on or stay warm. If you or someone you support is experiencing money problems call the Coronavirus Support line for free on
0808 196 3651
TURN2US Edinburgh Trust Response Fund Relating to COVID-19: for people who have lost their income as a result of the Coronavirus and are struggling financially may be eligible for a one-off crisis grant towards essential living expenses. For more information on eligibility and how to apply visit
MEGA Fund
We have a new application for Fuel Top-up vouchers called the MEGA Fund which is “More Electricity & Gas Assistance”. If you refer in for your client for a fuel top-up voucher you will receive an automated email confirming it has been received and allocates a unique reference number.
You will then receive a second email which has a copy of your completed application. The new MEGA Fund application allows us to award up to 3 vouchers over a 3 month period. – we won’t could any previous application made. The amounts will be £28 single & £49 couple/family or more than one person in the household
Click here for MEGA Form
Cold Weather Payments
Universal Credit and Pension Credit claimants may be among a number of other benefits recipients receiving a £25 payment, after the Cold Weather Payment was triggered in certain areas of the UK recently. Use this
link to check if your postcode qualifies.
Advice and Financial Support for Carers
Vocal: Local Support for Carers
Vocal provides financial help, support and advice to those who are carers of people in greatest need - people who support a partner, child, relative or friend who is frail, has a disability or additional support needs, a long term condition or needs regular support.
For more details, read
this.
For more information about Vocal itself go
here.
To open the document go
here.
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tutaj.
Back on Track project at
Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre
Back on Track offers therapeutic support to children, young people and their families within the catchment areas of Gracemount and Liberton High Schools.
This flyer gives more detail about what they do and how you can contact them.
School Age Payment
The Best Start Grant School Age Payment is a new £250 payment to help with the costs of preparing for school when a child is first old enough to start Primary school.
Eligibility is based on the age of the child.
The application window for children who were
born between 1 March 2014 and 28 February 2015 is now closed.
The application window for children born between 1 March 2015 and 29 February 2016 opened on 1 June 2020 and closes on 28 February 2021.
Even if the child’s school start has been deferred until next year, or if the child is not going to start school at all, parents or carers of children born between 1 March 2015 and 29 February 2016 should still apply for the payment
by 28 February 2021. If they do not apply within this window they will not be able to receive the payment.
Children's Winter Coats
If any parent or guardian is in need of a good winter coat for their child, could they get in touch with us through our email address:
southedclust@btinternet.com. This request will be managed in the strictest confidence.
- NHS 24 has a dedicated COVID mental health support service (Dial
111)
- Breathing Space
0800 83 85 87
- Samaritans
116 123
- SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health)
0344 800 0550
Information for Practitioners
Discover is a family holiday programme delivered in partnership between City of Edinburgh Council, Lifelong Learning, Edinburgh Community Food and others.
More information
here.
