Financial support

Help with benefits and money advice

Benefit calculators 

You can use one of these independent benefit calculators to find out

  • what benefits you could get 
  • how to claim 
  • how your benefits will be affected if you start work 

For more information visit the Benefit Calculators website.

Maximise!

Maximise! is a partnership between CHAI and Children 1st supported by the City of Edinburgh Council. They provide a round service to pupils’ families to help improve relationships, increase confidence, support well-being and increase community links as well as providing advice to maximise your income, reduce debt, resolve housing issues and gain employment. For more information visit the Maximise! website and to make an appointment, please contact your child’s school or phone CHAI on

0131 442 2100

CHAI

CHAI helps and empowers people through high-quality, impartial advice on welfare benefits, housing and debt. The Advice team consists of specialist and generic advice workers and a small band of skilled volunteers. They deliver advice in a range of outreach locations city-wide including GP practices, mental health hubs, community centres, schools, libraries etc. Please discuss your requirements when booking an appointment. Appointments can be made on the the CHAI website or phone

0131 442 1009

The Advice Shop

The Advice Shop offers help with welfare rights including income maximisation, through welfare benefits, tax credits and grants. They also offer debt advice to resolve personal debt including credit cards, bank loans, rent arrears, personal loans, store cards, catalogues and mortgage arrears. If you need advice visit the Advice Shop website or contact

advice.shop@edinburgh.gov.uk

0131 200 2360

Citizens Advice Edinburgh

Citizens Advice Edinburgh specialise in welfare rights, debt, budgeting, employment, housing, energy, immigration, consumer rights and health. They are city-wide and have five bureaus and 13 outreach sites serving every locality. They also deliver the national Pensionwise and patient advice and support services. For more information visit the Citizens Advice Edinburgh website or contact

0131 510 5510

Christians Against Poverty

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) specialise in providing community-based debt help, with the option of appointments from the privacy and comfort of your own home. Through their person-centred approach, you'll be given the support you need, including emergency aid where needed, every step of the way to becoming debt-free. To start your debt-free journey visit the Christians Against Poverty website or contact

08003 280 006

Whole Family Equality Project

This project aims to address poverty and inequality within ethnic minority communities in Edinburgh. The project aims to provide holistic support to help families improve their finances, health and wellbeing, and increase children’s positive participation in school life and educational attainment. The project will also work closely with families who want to move into work or improve their work or career pathway. For more information visit the Whole Family Equality Project website.

Supporting parents and carers

We hope you can find the information you need, if you require help finding supports email us at