Support coping with rising living costs

Money

If you're struggling with the rising cost of living, Midlothian Council and its trusted partners can help with a range of services that can help you with money advice, benefit entitlements and maximising your income. 

In this section you will find:

 

Urgent help with money

Scottish Welfare Fund: 

  • Crisis Grants - for emergencies when you have no other means, such as: 
    • food or heating 
    • damage after a fire or flood at home 
    • escaping domestic abuse  
    • caring for a child while waiting for benefit transfers 
    • a sudden loss of income due to job changes or redundancy 
  • Community Care Grant - to help you set up a home, or continue to live independently within your community, in situations like:
    • leaving care or imprisonment 
    • homelessness 
    • escaping domestic abuse 
    • caring for a child when their health is at risk  

Apply online or call 0131 270 5600 

If you need urgent help with food, housing or energy please go to our Urgent Help page for more information. 

Money Advice and Support 

Worrying about Money - Learn what local support is available by completing an online form. Also available online in Polish, Dari and Urdu. Printed copies available in local Libraries. 

Money Map - Sources of support to ease cost of living pressures, from benefits and grants to tips about saving money.  

Midlothian Financial Inclusion Network - Cost of Living Support Directory for local support.  

One Parent Scotland - Advice and support for single parent families. 

Money Helper - Advice and support on a range of money issues. 

Council Tax & Rent Advice and Support  

Our Revenues Advisors can provide support and guidance about a range of benefits and grants:

Pop along to an upcoming Revenues Advice Drop-in or contact the Revenues team on: 

  • 0131 271 3201 
  • revenues.enquiries@midlothian.gov.uk 

Debt Advice and Support

Money Advice Scotland – call 0808 196 2316 or visit the Money Advice Scotland website. 

National Debtline – call 0808 808 4000 or visit the National Debtline website. 

StepChange Debt Charity – call 0800 138 1111 or visit the StepChange website. 

Benefits Advice and Support  

Citizens Advice Bureau can make sure you get all the benefits you are entitled to as well as offering advice about bills and grants. 

Our Midlothian Council Welfare Rights Team can provide welfare advice, benefits checks and help in a crisis for: 

  • social work clients 
  • people over pension age 
  • people with cancer or their carers 
  • people who need help appealing a DWP decision. 

Contact the Welfare Rights team on: 

Social Security Scotland staff can provide advice and support about benefits in a local venue or at home by phone, video or face-to-face. Contact freephone 0800 182 2222. 

Universal Credit 

A regular payment if you are on a low income, regardless of your employment status.  

The amount you will receive depends on your individual circumstances such as your income, savings and the number of people in your household. 

Making a claim for Universal Credit may affect your other benefits, so it is important to get advice before making an application. Advice and support is available from Citizens Advice - Penicuik  and Citizens Advice – Dalkeith.  

Benefits for families, children and young people  

Benefits for people with a disability

Benefits for carers

Support on energy costs

Other Support 

Return to Cost of Living Homepage & Map

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