Get in touch if you need help or advice
It is important that you continue to pay your Council Tax and Council Rent if you can. This helps to pay for essential services we provide.
However, if you’re worried about paying, contact the team as soon as you can and we'll do what we can to help.
Officers can work with you to make sure you get any help you need and can also liaise with other council services and agencies on your behalf if you're struggling.
You will find our contact details on this page. Depending on the volume of calls, you may be asked to leave a voicemail message and we will return your call as soon as we can, so please bear with us.
Find out more about benefits and other support you may be entitled to
As well as dedicated officers to deal with any Council Tax or council rent enquiries, we also have a Financial Inclusion team who can provide advice about what benefits you may be entitled to and help you apply. Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to Universal Credit, including an element for your housing costs (your rent).
There’s lots of helpful information on The Department for Work and Pensions website, including information about recent Government changes which have been introduced to help during this challenging time.
There's also lots of information on the Social Security Scotland website, including details of new benefits available in Scotland.
The council may also be able to help if you’re struggling financially:
- if you’re on a low income or claiming certain benefits - you may be entitled to help from the council to pay your Council Tax, this is called a Council Tax Reduction (CTR)
- if you’re claiming Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, but still can't afford to pay your rent - you may be eligible for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP)
- if you’re in crisis - you may be eligible for support from The Scottish Welfare Fund
More information about welfare benefits can be found at www.eastlothian.gov.uk/financialinclusion. Our online benefits calculator can help you get a quick estimate of what you may be entitled to.
Important information - cost of living
With the cost of living increasing, many people are finding it difficult to cover essential daily living costs.
A range of measures are available to help people boost their income. Don't assume you're receiving everything you're entitled to, always check, and if you're still struggling or in doubt, get in touch.
Find out more: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/cost-of-living-support