Winter financial support
The increasing cost of living continues to affect our residents and communities, especially when bills go up over the winter and festive season. East Lothian Council wants to make sure that everyone in East Lothian is getting the financial support they’re entitled to.
One timely reminder is the deadline of 21 December to apply for Pension Credit. If you have a client you work with or a family member you think might be eligible, please remind them of this date. This winter, only those claiming Pension Credit will qualify for the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.
A range of advice and details of support measures, including energy advice and ensuring you’re getting all the benefits you are entitled to, have been brought together on our website, to help everyone boost their income this winter.
The information at www.eastlothian.gov.uk/boost is aimed at raising awareness of the benefits and financial support available and encouraging everyone to check what they’re entitled to and to maximise their income wherever possible.
Everyone can check that they’re getting the financial support they’re entitled to. We particularly want to make sure that under-claimed benefits are claimed. These include:
- Pension Credit – claim before 21 December 2024 for Pension Age Winter Heating Payment
- Council Tax Reduction
- Child related benefits (including Best Start Grants, Free School Meals, etc)
Other information on our Boost pages includes:
- Help with Council Tax
- Help with paying your rent
- Dealing with debt
- Crisis grants
- Food resources
- Social Security Scotland benefits
- Support for children and families
- Managing energy bills and heating your home
- Health-related support
- Financial Inclusion team