Financial Support and Advice (Government and other institutions)

Financial Support available to families with young children from Social Security Scotland

Please find below a message from Social Security Scotland:

We thought it may be of interest to the parents/carers of the children you care for to provide some information on the financial support available to families with young children.

The new Scottish Child Payment (£40 every four weeks for eligible children under six) starts on 15 February and we are encouraging parents to apply now.

https://www.mygov.scot/scottish-child-payment/

For those eligible for the £250 Best Start Grant School Age Payment we are reminding parents that the current application window – for children born between March 1, 2015 and February 29, 2016 – will close on 28 February even for those who have deferred entry.

There are also the Pregnancy and Baby Payment and Early Learning Payment that may also be relevant for to some of your families.

https://www.mygov.scot/best-start-grant-best-start-foods/

City of Edinburgh Council

Any individual who needs support due to hardship, can contact:

– Vulnerable Support Line on 0131 200 2388

– Scottish Welfare Fund on 0131 529 5299.

Scottish Government Payments:

• Early Learning Payment £250 help for eligible families with a child between 2 and 3½ years

• Pregnancy and Baby Payment £600 for first child or £300 help for eligible families with cost of pregnancy or having a new child

• Food Payment £17 every four weeks for eligible families during pregnancy and for every child under three to spend on healthy foods.

To find out the support you may be eligible for visit http://www.mygov.scot/beststart or call 0800 182 2222

Scottish Welfare fund

The Scottish Welfare Fund helps families and people in Scotland who are on low incomes.

Scottish Welfare Fund on 0131 529 5299 ( City of Edinburgh Council)

You can apply for a: · Crisis Grant – if you’re in crisis because of a disaster (like a fire or flood), or an emergency (like losing your money or job, or an unexpected expense) · Self-Isolation Support Grant – if you’ve been asked to self-isolate by Test and Protect because of coronavirus (COVID-19) and will lose income as a result https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/scottishwelfarefund https://www.mygov.scot/scottish-welfare-fund/

Further help with money problems

You can also get general advice for your money problems from (websites links): · Money Talk Team – get help to make sure you’re claiming everything you’re entitled to and advice to help you make the most of your money · Scotland’s Financial Health Service – find information and advice on debt, managing money, housing, homelessness and ethical lending · National Debtline – get free, confidential and independent debt advice on 0808 808 4000 · Citizens Advice Scotland – visit your nearest bureau to speak to somebody face-to-face, or call 0845 450 0351 · Shelter Scotland – call the free helpline for housing advice on 0808 800 4444 · Money Advice Scotland – find details of agencies that give independent financial advice

Changeworks

Fuel billing and debt support for households contact https://www.changeworks.org.uk/what-we-do/energy-and-fuel-poverty/fuel-poverty-services/refer-clients-to-fuel-poverty-services

Contact Aidan Tracey 0131 539 8640, atracey@changeworks.org.uk, http://www.changeworks.org.uk

Citizens Advice Edinburgh Online

Advice and support at:

https://www.citizensadviceedinburgh.org.uk/get-advice

Tel 0131 510 5510

CHAI (Community Help and Advice Initiative)

Currently offering a telephone consultation service. To book a phone appointment call 0131 442 2100 or email chai@chaiedinburgh.org.uk

Maximise!

Help with: Income maximisation, Employability support, Family support, Money advice, Welfare rights, Housing advice. You can contact Maximise via: Tel: 0131 442 2100 http://www.chaiedinburgh.org.uk

Family and Household Support

Can offer support and advice with family relationships, parenting, mental health and well-being, employment and learning, housing options and neighbour disputes. Help with accessing food banks, debt, budgeting, welfare benefits, applying for grants, funding or furniture. southwest.familyandhouseholdsupport@edinburgh.gov.uk

Float Trust

Small grants to help with essential costs for people in need, who have been refused a Crisis Grant. Bus tickets can be provided to organisations to help clients access essential services such as attending appointments, interviews, attending support groups. Referral should be made by a professional. http://www.float.scot/

Home Energy Scotland

Free and impartial advice for anyone worried about energy bills. Home heating and energy use will be affected by people staying home to avoid picking up the Coronavirus. If you’re worried about your energy bills or struggling to stay warm at home, you can contact them. Advisors are briefed with the latest information from energy suppliers and from the Scottish Government, and they are up to date with any new developments. Advice is free, impartial and funded by the Scottish Government. Phone 0808 808 2282 to chat to a friendly advisor – calls are free and we’re available Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday from 9am to 5pm. Or request a call back on our website: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/home-energy-scotland/lets-talk

People Know How

Computer Delivery project to provide refurbished computers and devices to those who need help staying connected in Edinburgh. Those who are self-isolating, home-schooling, on low income or would benefit for any other reason are eligible to apply. For more information please email contactus@peopleknowhow.org

The Advice Shop

Tel 0131 200 2360 anytime Mon-Fri and leave a message. A return call will be made within 2 hours or email advice.shop@edinburgh.gov.uk https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/benefits-grants/advice-shop

Turn2us Edinburgh Trust Response Fund Relating to COVID-19

People who have lost their income because 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 https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Edinburgh-Trust-Response-Fund-for-Covid-19

Food bank

Edinburgh Food Project

Following the First Minister’s announcement 04/01/2021 – to protect the health and wellbeing of our volunteers and clients, and to make sure that we can continue to provide a vital service during the COVID pandemic, we will be once again temporarily moving to a delivery service with effect from Friday 8th January. The delivery service will be available within the Edinburgh City Council boundaries. Foodbank CLOSURES, from 08/01/2021, include: South Queensferry, Pilton, Clermiston, Grassmarket, Broughton, Prestonfield and Craigmillar.

Tollcross will remain OPEN Monday 2pm-4pm and Thurs 10am-12noon, Central Hall, 2 West Tollcross, EH3 9BP.

Referrals received by 4pm (day 1), will be delivered the next working day (day 2). Referrals after 4pm (day 1) will be delivered the day after the next working day (day 3).

How to get a food voucher: https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/emergency-food/food-vouchers/

Buckstone Primary School, February 2021