Cost of living support

It can be difficult going through all the information available and work out just what it means for you. Our Financial Inclusion team can help. The team offers free, impartial and confidential advice and support to all local residents. Financial Inclusion Officers can: 

• Carry out a benefit health check to identify what benefits or grants you may be entitled to, and help you apply. 
• Check you are getting the right amount of benefit.
• Provide help if you have been sanctioned by The Department for Work & Pensions.
• Help you to appeal a decision if you’ve recently had a benefit claim turned down.
• Provide advice about flexible options available if you’re claiming Universal Credit (UC), such as switching to twice-monthly payments or having your rent paid direct to your landlord.
• Provide help if you’re regularly using a foodbank or relying on crisis grants.
• Offer a Macmillan cancer support service to support the financial needs of East Lothian residents and their families affected by cancer.
• Provide help to complete a better-off calculation, assisting people to understand the implications of employment changes on their household income.

In financial year 2024/25, the council’s Financial Inclusion team secured £1,620,975.68 in annual benefit gains for 361 clients. This equates to an average of £4,490.24 additional annual income for these clients, much of which may have gone unclaimed had it not been for their support.

To speak to a member of the team, call 01620 827 827 and ask for 'financial inclusion' or email financialinclusion@eastlothian.gov.uk

Find out more about welfare advice and financial support available