Don't know where to start with money and benefits?

If you’ve been finding it hard to make ends meet, just the thought of applying for benefits can be stressful. You may not know where to start, or where to turn for advice. But help is available. We can guide you to someone you can talk to, who can help you find the benefits and one-off payments your family is entitled to.

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Help from the Money Talk Team

If you need to talk to someone, you can always get free, trusted advice from the Money Talk Team. They’ll check whether you’re getting the benefits and grants your family’s entitled to, and help you find ways to pay out less each month. They can also give debt advice if you need it. You can find lots of advice on their website or by calling 0800 028 1456.

Woman in a pink T-shirt looking at her phone

In this short film Money Talk Tean Advisor Jamie Martin from Pollok in Glasgow, explains how his organisation can provide free money and debt advice to help families maximise their income.

Help to claim benefits

If you’d like to find out more about the benefits available to families, our page on benefits and financial support for parents has everything you need to know. It includes advice on how to use a benefit calculator, which will give you an idea of what you might be entitled to. We even have tips for applying, to help you get started.

If you don’t know where to begin, the Money Talk Team can help. An adviser can talk you through your options and even help you make a claim.

Help with anxiety and stress

Unfortunately worrying about money can take its toll on our mental health too. Remember, you don’t have to go through this on your own. There are lots of people and organisations that can help, starting with your GP. Our section on wellbeing for parents has more advice and information.

You can also access a free course from NHS Scotland SilverCloud to help you to manage the practical and emotional issues around money worry. You can find out more about the courses available here and sign up for free using the code Scotland2020.

Other ways to make your money go further

It’s also worth taking a look at our budgeting tips, including our suggestions for reducing your energy bills, saving on your rent or mortgage and council tax and boosting your income and making a bit of extra money.

Help for expectant parents

Expecting a baby is an exciting time – but it can also be a stressful time when it comes to money. We’ve got lots of tips to help you save in the run up the birth – including making the most of your Baby Box and an easy guide to budgeting. Don’t forget there are lots of grants and benefits available to help new parents, including the Best Start Pregnancy Payment and Best Start Foods.

All the changes that take place when you’re expecting a baby can sometimes feel overwhelming – our section on wellbeing during pregnancy has lots of advice on looking after yourself and your mental health.

Help for new parents

Once baby’s born, there are lots more things to consider – but there’s also a lot of help available to. You’ll be able to claim child benefit, plus you may be entitled to other benefits, like the Scottish Child Payment and the Best Start Baby Payment and Best Start Foods.

If you’re thinking about returning to work after having your baby, we’ve also got tips to help you prepare.

Having a new baby is wonderful, but it can also be overwhelming. Our section on wellbeing for new parents has lots of tips and advice to help you cope at this exciting but often exhausting time.