How our Financial Inclusion team can help

We’re all being affected by the biggest cost of living crisis seen in years. Higher food and energy prices mean millions across the UK are struggling with daily living cost pressures.

Each year many benefits and other forms of support go unclaimed so we want to help boost the income of those affected and hopefully ease some of these pressures.

If you’re worried about money or heating your home, don’t assume you’re receiving everything you’re entitled to. As personal circumstances and what’s available can change it’s always worth checking.

If you’re struggling or in doubt, 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 and 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 employment advice and practical support to help people understand the implications on their household income of taking up employment or training opportunities