Scottish Borders Council is supporting this year’s Challenge Poverty Week (7-13 October) by highlighting the wide range of support, information and advice available across the region.
The Council is also appealing to family members, friends and neighbours to encourage individuals and families who are experiencing poverty to check their eligibility and find out what financial support they could be entitled to.
Whether through low income, unemployment, ill health, an unexpected change in circumstances or for some other factor out with their control, whatever the reason, it is important for individuals and families who are experiencing poverty, to know that help is available from a wide range of organisations
A range of detailed information about what grants, benefits and support people may be entitled to and how to apply is available here
For those that are over State Pension age and on a low income, Pension Credit provides extra money to help with living costs. It is even more important for pensioners to check their eligibility this winter, as from this year it will also automatically passport those eligible to receive the Winter Fuel Payment. 21 December is the last possible date to make a successful backdated claim in order to receive the Winter Fuel Payment. With £3.6 million unclaimed pension credit in the Borders, local pensioners are being urged to check their eligibility and apply for Pension Credit as a matter of urgency.
Financial help is also available during pregnancy and for families with a child up to school age, while free school meals and school clothing grants are available for older children. If you are the main carer for your child and get Universal Credit, you may also be entitled to the Scottish Child Payment. If you receive Scottish Child Payment and a child reaches the right age, you should automatically get the Best Start payments too.
There is also information on accessing help with rent or council tax or specific support such as Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) and the Scottish Welfare Fund. DHP is intended to help claimants who already receive housing benefit or universal credit (housing element) but require further assistance to meet their housing costs. Community care grants and crisis grants are for people experiencing particular difficulties.
Debt and money advice, including a financial health check service, is available through local Citizens Advice Bureau.
Councillor Robin Tatler, SBC’s Executive Member for Public Safety & Resilience said:
“I would urge anyone experiencing financial hardship to have a look at the support that is available to them through the Scottish Borders Council website and make sure they get in touch to see how the Council and our many partner organisations may be able to help.
“It is really important that people take that first step to find out what support they may be eligible for.”
More information about the support provided can be found at: www.scotborders.gov.uk/costoflivingsupport or by calling Customer Advice and Support Services on 0300 100 1800.