Money Matters
Benefits, Grants & Advice
You can apply for Social Security Scotland benefits by:
You can also contact us on:
- Webchat click here
- Social media – Direct messaging via Facebook
To apply for benefits administered by the UK Government click here
Dundee Advice Services – click here
Note that Council Advice Services and the Scottish Welfare Fund continue to provide essential services throughout the COVID19 crisis. Note that the services are working via telephone and email but can provide the same services normally provided.
Please telephone 01382 431188 and select the correct service:
- For Scottish Welfare Fund press 1
- For Council Advice Services press 2
- For DEEAP Energy Advice press 3
For more information on changes to Social Security benefits and what to claim during the COVID-19 pandemic, download our leaflet. This contains contact details for Dundee Citizens Advice Bureau click here
Dundee Money Action click here
Brooksbank Money Advice click here
Welfare Rights
Welfare Rights Services List of services across Dundee offering advice on welfare rights.
Ways of Transferring Money for People who are Shielding or in Isolation
If you are shielding or isolation, it may be difficult getting money to those who are collecting food and provisions for you.
Volunteer net has created a webpage that has options available to transfer money. Click here to explore
Information on Benefits Grants & Crisis Funds
Social Security Scotland – telephony service update
Social Security Scotland has reduced telephony services and instigated homeworking for the majority of staff in response to COVID-19.
In the current circumstances, we are asking those with internet access to complete the application online. You can now upload your evidence using our online portal. This means we can focus on processing applications and getting payments to clients. If you do not have internet access, we will send you a blank application form by post.
Exceptional circumstances: If you are unable to leave your house, for example, you are part of the high-risk group under 12-week self-isolation, we will complete an application form with you over the telephone.
Young Carer Grant
Young carers who qualify for the Young Carer Grant, and who could not apply before their nineteenth birthday due to disruption caused by coronavirus (COVID-19), can still apply and their application will be viewed as having been made on time. Further information about this and the Young Carer Grant can be found at https://www.mygov.scot/young-carer-grant/
Carers Benefits
Changes have been made by The Scottish Government to carers benefits to make sure carers’ can continue to access support such as Carers Allowance, paid for by the DWP during the coronavirus outbreak. Further information can be accessed via https://www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/news/changes-to-carers-benefits
Benefit Increases
Carer’s Allowance Supplement, Young Carer Grant and Funeral Support Payment increased in April 2020. More information can be found at https://www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/news/benefit-payments-are-increasing
Online Evidence
Clients can now submit evidence online. If you have been asked to upload additional evidence to support an application that has already been submitted, you can do this on our evidence uploading webpage. Further information is available from https://www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/news/clients-can-now-send-in-evidence-online
Other financial support for carers
Many carers will also be able to receive other support from the benefits system, such as the announced increases to the rates of Universal Credit and changes to the rules for the self-employed, which will benefit many carers.
The Scottish Government has made an additional £45 million available to local authorities for the Scottish Welfare Fund, to meet the rising demand for Crisis Grants and Community Care Grants as a consequence of COVID-19. Anyone facing a financial crisis is urged to contact their local authority to discuss one of these grants.
Scottish Welfare Fund Helps families and people in Scotland who are on low incomes through Crisis Grants and Community Care Grants.
You can apply for a:
- Crisis Grant – if you’re in crisis because of a disaster (like a fire or flood), or an emergency (like losing your money or an unexpected expense)
- Community Care Grant – to help you or someone you care for to start to live or to carry on living a settled life in the community
Turn2Us Website helps people when times get tough. They provide financial support to help people get back on track.
You can calculate if you are entitled to any benefits, grants and also check the latest information on benefits and COVID-19.
Debt Advice
Dundee Money Action Dundee Money Action is a project focused on helping people with money problems. If you’ve got debt trouble, are struggling to heat your home, or finding it tough to save cash, then help is at hand.
General Money Advice
Discovery Credit Union
All local community centre collection points are cancelled until further notice.
To withdraw money, please use the form in the contact us section or download the app. Please note that Discovery Credit Union no longer accept paper loan application forms. All loan applications should be made via the website. Deposits can still be made electronically from a bank account. Please contact Discovery Credit Union via phone/email/Facebook messenger for more information.
Money Advice Service Free and impartial money advice, set up from the Government.
Funeral Link Dundee is an independent body that champions bereaved in Dundee. They aim to prevent funeral poverty in Dundee by offering confidential support and helping the bereaved save money on all things funeral. Planning a funeral on a low income or little or no savings can be tough, so if you are struggling to meet funeral costs contact the funeral link team on 01382 458800 for one-to-one support and independent advice.
