COVID-19 How Welfare Rights can help
The Council has a Welfare Rights team who can help if you're struggling to find out what you're entitled to. We understand that under the current circumstances, there's lots of information available, but it can be difficult to know what type of help may be available to you.
Our Welfare Rights Officers offer free, impartial and confidential advice and support. We can let you know what benefits you may be entitled to and in some cases, we can help you to apply if you're unable to complete an application yourself. However, it's important to note that due to the current situation, we can only do this over the phone.
There’s lots of helpful information on The Department for Work & Pensions website, including information about recent Government changes which have been introduced to help during this challenging time.
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.
We've tried to include helpful information on our website, but appreciate you may need more detailed information so please get in touch if you have any questions or are worried about your financial situation.
Important Information
We understand customers are anxious at this time and will do everything we can to help you. Due to the Coronavirus outbreak, we are dealing with a high volume of customer enquiries and are also facing staff shortages within our teams.
We are working hard to deal with all enquiries and to provide advice and support for local residents. If you phone the Welfare Rights team you will be asked to leave a message and one of our Advisers will call you back as soon as they can.
If you or a member of your household has been affected by coronavirus and you need general help or advice, there’s lots of information available on the Council website. Visit www.eastlothian.gov.uk/coronavirus
What might you be entitled to
If you want to check what you may be entitled to, then try out our online benefits calculator.
Remember, this will only be an estimate as you will need to apply and any application will be subject to the relevant eligibility criteria.