Scottish Welfare Fund. A Guide To Additional Support

Transcription

1 Scottish Welfare Fund A Guide To Additional Support

2 Introduction This leaflet provides information about additional support for both Scottish Welfare Fund applicants and Angus residents in general. There are many sources of help and support available including some that you may not be aware of. The organisations and schemes detailed in this leaflet are only a brief overview of some of the main sources of assistance, but there are many more out there that could be able to provide help and support. For further information please contact If you wish to learn more about Crisis and Community Care Grants, details can be found in the Scottish Welfare Fund leaflet. To apply for a Crisis or Community Care Grant from Angus Council please phone the ACCESSLine on For enquiries about an application you have already made phone Further information about Crisis or Community Care Grants can also be found at Financial Assistance, Grants and Benefits Advice Welfare Rights Angus Council s Welfare Rights team offers free, confidential advice on a number of issues including benefits, debt and income maximisation. They can check you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled to and support you with any appeals. For more information contact the ACCESSLine on Discretionary Housing Payment Scheme If you are in receipt of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit and are struggling to pay your rent, Angus Council s Discretionary Housing Payment scheme may provide temporary assistance. A Discretionary Housing Payment can help cover a shortfall in rent, giving you an opportunity to organise your finances or find more affordable accommodation. Telephone:

3 The Social Fund The Department for Work and Pensions can provide assistance through the regulated Social Fund. This covers Funeral Payments, Cold Weather Payments, Winter Fuel Payments and Maternity Grants. In addition to this, people on very low incomes may be eligible to claim a Budgeting Advance which provides an interest-free alternative to high-cost lending for emergency and unforeseen expenses. For further details about Social Fund payments, please contact your local Jobcentre Plus. Turn2Us Turn2us helps people in financial need gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help. To find out more information and access the Turn2Us benefits calculator and grant search visit their website. Charity Search Charity Search delivers a free service which helps older people in genuine financial need receive the support that may be available to them from a variety of charitable sources. Telephone: Web: Family Fund The Family Fund gives grants to families raising a disabled or seriously ill child aged 17 or under, dependant on the parent or carer s income. Their grants bring practical and essential help such as washing machines, bedding, fridges, specialist toys and much needed family breaks. Telephone: Web:

4 Money and Debt Advice Citizens Advice Bureau Your local Citizens Advice Bureau offers free debt management and money advice services. Confidential, impartial and independent advice and information is also available on a wide range of subjects. Arbroath 11 Millgate, DD11 1NN Telephone: Forfar 19 Queen Street, DD8 2HH Telephone: Montrose 32 Castle Street, DD10 8AG Telephone: Angus Credit Union The Angus Credit Union offers a variety of savings options that can help you to manage your money. They can also provide information about opening a bank account, low interest loans and general budgeting advice. Telephone: The Money Advice Service The Money Advice Service can offer free, unbiased advice on maintaining a budget and answer questions on debt, borrowing, credit, insurance and general day-to-day money matters. Telephone: Web:

5 Employment, Volunteering and Training Towards Employment Team The Towards Employment Team works across Angus to support unemployed and low income adults back into work. The team offers a wide range of employment advice and assistance. Support with training and childcare costs may also be met. Telephone: TETStrategy@angus.gov.uk Web: Community Learning and Development Service Offers learning opportunities for people who would like to learn to use a computer and the internet to find a job, college course or training opportunity. Help in writing CVs and applying for jobs online is also available. Telephone: Voluntary Action Angus Offers opportunities & support to help people into employment including volunteering, motivation, personal development & life skills. Access to computers including use for training, accessing information also available. Arbroath, Guthrie Port, DD11 1RN Telephone: Forfar, 1-3 St James Road, DD8 2AQ Telephone: info@voluntaryactionangus.org.uk Web:

6 Skills Development Scotland Helps individuals realise their potential by offering career advice, on-the-job training and funding for learning. They also offer advice for people who have recently been made redundant Telephone: Web: Furniture/Household items Recycled Furniture Furniture Recycling Project Angus Unit 1 Wardmill Road Wardmill Works Arbroath DD11 1SA Telephone: Forfar Resource Centre 9 Don Street Forfar DD8 3BR Telephone: Both of these organisations offer recycled or second hand furniture and white goods at a fraction of the original price. Starter Packs Angus Helps people all over Angus who are on a low income and have started up a new tenancy by providing a basic starter pack of household goods. Access to the service is through referral from an approved agency. Telephone: enquiries@starterpacksangus.org.uk

7 Energy Advice Angus Care and Repair Helps elderly and disabled Angus residents save money on their energy bills by: helping to find the cheapest tariffs currently available to them carrying out a home energy survey to help reduce energy consumption advising on funding schemes available for energy saving works They can also assist with home repairs, adaptations and improvements. Telephone: enquiries@anguscareandrepair.org Web: Energy Saving Trust Scotland The Energy Saving Trust Foundation gives impartial and accurate advice about heating and insulating your home, saving energy and cutting costs. They can also carry out a Home Energy Check with you that will help you to find out about free or discounted insulation and support that may be available. Telephone: Food Parcels If you find yourself in serious financial difficulty or suffer a family emergency, a food parcel could provide short term help. There are several food parcel projects operating throughout the Angus area. For further details please contact Housing Advice Angus Council Housing Options Team Contact the Angus Council Housing Options team for advice whether you re living at home with your parents, looking to buy for the first time or need support to live independently. Telephone: ACCESSLine housing@angus.gov.uk Web:

8 Shelter Offers help to alleviate the distress caused by homelessness and bad housing. They can provide confidential help to people with all kinds of housing problems. Telephone: Carers Angus Carers Centre Aims to improve the quality of life for all carers in Angus by providing information & support on a one- to- one or group basis. Training for carers is available as well as regular groups & events including those specifically for carers in employment. Benefits advice & support to complete forms is available for all carers registered with the Centre. Specific projects also provide specialist advice & support for young carers & carers affected by drugs & alcohol. Arbroath, 3 Fisheracre, DD11 1LE Telephone: Web: enquiries@anguscarers.org.uk Health and Wellbeing Community Mental Health Services Angus Council s Community Mental Health Team provides assessment, support, counselling and financial/housing advice for people with mental health problems. They will also assist carers of people with mental health problems. Telephone: (Forfar/Kirriemuir) (Arbroath/Carnoustie/Monifieth) (Brechin/Montrose) March 2013