Advice Direct Scotland has urged Jeremy Hunt to use budget to bring forward social energy tariff if he wants thousands of people across the UK out of fuel poverty.
Continue reading
Advice Direct Scotland has urged Jeremy Hunt to use budget to bring forward social energy tariff if he wants thousands of people across the UK out of fuel poverty.
Continue reading
A recent opinion poll conducted in Scotland reveals that a significant majority of households are limiting their energy consumption in a bid to manage other essential expenses like food. #costofliving #socialenergytraiff #energyprices
Continue reading
We’re calling for an opt-out social energy tariff to be introduced to help the most vulnerable in society through the cost-of-living crisis. #costofliving #socialenergytraiff #energysocialtraiff
Continue reading
Immediate release 21/12/23
Scottish benefit claimants have been reminded that most payments over Christmas and New Year are likely to hit bank accounts early, and they are urged to budget accordingly. Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national advice service advice.scot, said households should plan for changes in payments over the festive holidays.
Both the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and Social Security Scotland have confirmed scheduled benefit payments slightly earlier than usual in December and January. This is because of bank holidays on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day and the additional bank holiday in Scotland on Tuesday, January 02.
Recipients of DWP-administered Universal Credit, State Pension, Pension Credit, Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, Employment Support Allowance, Income Support, and Jobseeker’s Allowance are reminded:
Universal Credit claimants should also note that if their payment falls on Wednesday, December 27, or Tuesday, January 2, they will receive it on those dates as normal.
Those entitled to Social Security Scotland’s Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment, Scottish Child Payment, and Carer Support Payment can expect the following schedule:
Best Start Foods payments are not affected by the festive period arrangements.
advice.scot provides free, practical advice and information on any topic, including access to benefits and whether households are claiming all the support they are entitled to. Additionally, the online benefits calculator provided by Advice Direct Scotland allows individuals to assess their entitlement to both devolved and reserved benefits.
During the festive period, the organisation will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, and January 2.
However, it will operate normally at other times, with the charity emphasising the importance of reaching out at the earliest opportunity to discuss any concerns.
The team can be contacted on 0808 800 9060 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm), or through www.advice.scot.
Julie Murphy, Project Lead for advice.scot said:
“As we approach the Christmas and New Year holiday period, it’s important for people to be prepared for these changed dates and plan ahead to reduce stress. With the cost-of-living crisis, we know that many Scots are finding things extremely challenging when it comes to their household finances and will be concerned about when their payment will arrive.”
“Help is available for anyone who is worried or confused. At Advice Direct Scotland, we have a wide range of services available to everyone in Scotland at no cost, regardless of personal circumstance.”
Immediate release 08/12/23
Older Scots have been urged not to miss out on a £300 cost-of-living payment as a deadline looms.
Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national advice service advice.scot, is reminding households that they have until Sunday, December 10, to apply for Pension Credit and receive the extra cost-of-living payment. This is because successful Pension Credit claims can be backdated for up to three months, as long as the applicant was also eligible to receive it during that time. Other benefits are also available to those on Pension Credit, such as assistance with housing and council tax costs.
Pension Credit is a form of financial support that ‘tops up’ the income of individuals above the State Pension age who fall below a minimum income threshold. On average, it can be worth up to £3,500 per year. However, recent figures show that as many as 880,000 eligible individuals across the UK might be missing out.
Advice Direct Scotland has urged people to check their eligibility with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Additionally, the online benefits calculator provided by Advice Direct Scotland allows individuals to assess their entitlement to both devolved and reserved benefits. The charity’s advisors can provide free advice on the support available and ensure that households are claiming all the benefits they are entitled to.
Conor Forbes, director of policy with Advice Direct Scotland, said:
“With the cost-of-living and energy crisis, it’s more important than ever that people who are struggling claim everything they’re entitled to. We would urge Scots to check their eligibility for Pension Credit and apply for support. Our free and unique online calculator tool is the only one tailored for Scotland and can ensure they are receiving all possible help. It’s important not to struggle alone. Our specialist advisors offer free, impartial, and practical advice on 0808 800 9060 or via advice.scot.”
