Your life

General Advice

I am looking after someone - what benefits can I get?

Carer's Allowance -

A person who is looking after a person with disabilities may be able to apply for carer's allowance. S/he may also be able to claim income-related benefits.

Carer's Allowance (CA)is paid to a person who:-

is aged 16 or more when s/he claims; and
spends at least 35 hours a week caring for a person with a disability who is getting attendance allowance or constant attendance allowance or middle or higher rate care component of disability living allowance

I am a carer and not working or working less than 16 hours

If you are on a low income with savings below a set limit, and working less than 16 hours per week or not working. You may be entitled to either income support or income based jobseekers allowance

Benefits Enquiry Line : 0800 88 2200

More information on income support

I need help with money

Debt Self Help Pack

People get into debt for a variety of reasons. These situations can result in not enough money coming in and you may have to budget on a low income. You may also have problems keeping up payments to your creditors.

The pack aims to

help you budget
give you information on how you might increase your income
help you negotiate with your creditors
give you information on advice agencies which can assist you
advise you on procedures for the recovery of debt in the Sheriff Court
give you information on bankruptcy

The National Debtline - Scotland offers FREE CONFIDENTIAL and INDEPENDENT ADVICE on how to deal with debt problems. For more information about the National Debtline - Scotland.

On the National Debtline website you can

download an information pack to deal with your debt problems.
Use the personal budget section to work out what repayments you can afford.
Use a suite of sample letters to write to your creditors.
Visit their debt advice section to get information that may help you deal with your debt problem.
Access their library of Factsheets.

National Debtline telephone number : 0800 808 4000

Citizen’s Advice

Adviceguide gives basic advice and information on your rights. It gives you a broad outline of where you stand and what you can do. If your problem is complicated, you will need more detailed advice, for example from a Citizens Advice Bureau.

More information about Citizens Advice Bureau

Can I get Council Tax Benefit?

If you are on a low income with savings below a set limit (whether or not you are working) and pay council tax you may be entitled to Council Tax Benefit. This can help you pay all or part of your council tax. If you live with someone who does not pay council tax and you are on a low income you may be entitled to second adult rebate.

For help, information and a form call 01786 443210 or email fin@stirling.gov.uk

More information about Council Tax Benefit

Can I get Housing Benefit?

If you are on a low income with savings below a set limit (whether or not you are working) and paying rent you may be entitled to Housing Benefit. It can help pay all or part of your rent.

For help, information and a form call 01786 443210 or email fin@stirling.gov.uk

More information about Housing Benefit

I am working and have a disability. Can you help?

If you have a disability and are working 16 or more hours per week, you may be entitled to Working Tax Credit disability element. This may apply to anyone who is or has been getting benefit for sickness and disability.

More information about

WorkingTaxCredit

I am over 60 and don't have much money to live on.

If you or your partner are aged 60 or over, you may be entitled to extra money each week. Pension Credit can top up any money you already have coming in to a minimum level set by the Government.

Pension Credit has two elements: the 'guarantee element' for people aged over 60; and the 'savings credit' for people aged over 65, which is intened to provide extra money for people who have saved.

Claim Line for Pensioners - tel 0800 99 1234

More informaiton about Pension Credit