Cost of Living:
With the current Cost of Living rising, we understand this can build worry amongst all of us, we're working to get all of the advice and services we know updated in to a collective here for everyone to access - This will be updated regularly and the more services we discover the more details we will add to this section.
Cost of Living Payment:
With the second part of the Cost of Living payment coming up, all of the information regarding payments and eligibility can be found on the gov.uk website: Cost of Living Payment - GOV.UK
Employment Services:
Did you know East Ayrshire Works may be able to help you get back into employment and build your confidence up if you're currently out of employment or if you're looking for additional training and upskilling which could help your job prospects or your career paths these are some of the ways we may be able to help your situation and build from strength to strength, Get in touch with us.
Financial Inclusion Pathways:
Financial Inclusion Pathways can help anyone living in East Ayrshire who falls into any of these key target groups:
- lone parent household
- living in a workless household
- low income household
If you need any advice on:
- debt/finances
- knowing who to talk to about their worries
- how to access help
- meeting basic needs
Contact Financial Inclusion Pathways by:
email at: FITemployability@east-ayrshire.gov.uk or by phone on 01563 578791
EA Money:
East Ayrshire Money is a partnership of agencies who provide information and advice and/or services relating to a wide range of issues to residents of East Ayrshire.
Whether you have a problem with one or more debts that are causing you financial hardship, having problems paying your rent, facing the prospect of eviction, need assistance to challenge benefit decisions and ensure you are getting your full entitlement to benefits, or looking to get back into work, then East Ayrshire Money can put you in touch with the appropriate local organisation best placed to give you the help and support you require. Full details and service available here: EA Money | Advice & Information on Benefit and Money Issues.
Worried about food?
If you're worried about food East Ayrshire Council and partners are here to assist, we have a full page containing foodbanks, with contact details, local food larders and other ways to assist through this time please see the full page here for further details which include maps, locations and contact details of all of our food provision services, partners and how to donate or register for assistance: Food provision in East Ayrshire communities
Fuel and Energy
Energy Bill Support Scheme: The government will give every household in Great Britain £400 off their electricity bill. This is called the Energy Bills Support Scheme. You don’t need to do anything to get the money and you won’t have to pay it back.
For more information on the Energy Bill Support Scheme please see gov.uk website: Energy Bills Support Scheme explainer - GOV.UK
Get Help with your energy bills: MyGov.Scot have a page dedicated to getting help with your energy bills with various avenues and eligible criteria with further advice and support available from their services such as Advice Direct Scotland, Age Scotland, Citizens Advice Scotland, Energy Saving Trust Scotland, Fuel Bank Foundation, and Greener Scotland the full details can be found here: Get help with energy bills - mygov.scot
Warm Home Discount Scheme: The Warm Home Discount provides a £140 rebate on electricity bills to customers who get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit and are a named account holder with a participating energy supplier.
The scheme opened in 18 October 2021 for winter 2021 to 2022.
Rebates may also be available for recipients of certain other benefits, direct from energy suppliers.
Full details of eligibility and how to claim can be found here: Warm Home Discount Scheme: Overview - GOV.UK
Employment and additional Support:
If you are facing barriers to employment and need additional support to help you address these barriers before you can consider employer there are a number of organisation offering advice and support.