Cost of Living

Many residents are currently struggling with the rising living costs which is why it's important to know what help and support is available.

Help is available to anyone finding times rough, you don't have to be claiming benefits or be out of work.

Dundee Council's page contains links to sources of help and advice from the Council, their partners and external organisations.

Website: www.dundeecity.gov.uk/costofliving

You may have heard about the ‘Cost of Living Crisis’ or ‘inflation’ recently, where in the UK energy prices are going up, daily essentials are becoming more expensive, and some people are struggling to make ends meet.  YoungScot explain simply the cost of living crisis for young people to understand, provide information and resources to answer their questions and information on discounts associated with their YoungScot card.

www.young.scot/campaigns/costcrisis

Crisis Grants - providing you with a safety net in the event of a disaster or emergency

Community Care Grants - helping you to leave care and live on your own, or to continue living in your own home

Tel: 01382 431 188, option 1
Website: www.dundeecity.gov.uk

The CONNECT team can give assistance to anyone requiring help with income maximisation, benefit form filling, benefit problems and budgeting.

Tel: 01382 431 188
Website: www.dundeecity.gov.uk

Discovery Credit Union are locally based in the Wellgate centre and are a non profit financial co-operative owned and run by its members, for its members. They provide members with a safe, secure place to save as well as a place to borrow money.

Criteria:

• live or work in postcode areas DD1-DD11
• tenant or employee of local housing associations
• employee with employer partners
• live with or related to a current member

Address: Central Library, Wellgate Centre, Dundee, DD1 1DB
Email: info@discoverycu.co.uk
Website: www.discoverycu.co.uk

Free Legal Advice and Representation Service targeting those who are disadvantaged & vulnerable e.g. one parent families, women, people with long term illnesses, physical disabilities or mental health issues, people those people who cannot afford access to justice and representation.

Address: 163 Albert Street, Dundee DD4 6PX
Tel: 01382 918230
Email: enquiries@dundeelaw.org
Website: www.dundeelaw.org

Family Fund provides a wide range of grants to families raising a child or young person with a long-term diability, disabling conditions or life-limiting illness, and living on a low income.

Website: www.familyfund.org.uk

If you are under 22 years old and live in Scotland, you are eligible for free nationwide bus travel.

If you are over 60 years old or disabled you may also be eligible for free bus travel.

If you’re under 22 and disabled you can choose between the Disabled Persons’ scheme or the Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel scheme. Some local council areas provide discounted travel on rail, tram or subway with a Disabled Persons’ NEC, but you are likely to have to renew that card more often.

But remember: If you have a Disabled Companion card, which lets someone travel for free with you, then you should not change to the new scheme as it doesn’t allow anyone to travel with you for free.

Website: www.freebus.scot and www.transport.gov.scot/concessionary-travel

There could be many reasons why you may have rent arrears but it is important to get help and support before it becomes a big problem.  If you are having difficulties paying your rent contact Dundee City Council's Rent Collection Team where staff can offer help and assistance.

Tel: 01382 307300
Website: www.dundeecity.gov.uk

A partnership between Dundee City Council Advice Services and Brooksbank Centre offer free, confidential financial support at some GP Practices across Dundee.

Website: Welfare Health Advice Partnership