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. 

Benefits  

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. 

Support with Council Tax and Rent  

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

Contact the Revenues team on: 

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

Support for families 

Support for people with a disability

Support for carers

Other Support 

Return to Cost of Living Homepage & Map