Cost of living support
The health of our finances can have an impact on how we feel physically and mentally, however, there are many free and easily accessible sources of help available, both in-house and external that we've listed on this page to support you. If you're a people manager, please share with your team(s).
Employee benefits
There are a wide range of employee benefits available which can help you to save money.
- Capital Credit Union - save directly from your salary by opening a savings account with Capital Credit Union.
- Local Government Pension Scheme - save for your retirement and get help with understanding your pension.
- MyBenefits - savings on groceries, activities, eating out and shopping.
- Salary Sacrifice schemes - these schemes allow you to spread the cost of certain purchases by paying directly from your salary.
Please remember, a reduction in your pay can impact on benefits such as pension contributions, maternity and sickness pay. Full details regarding your individual circumstances will be available on each scheme’s terms and FAQs.
Managing your money
Improving your financial literacy has benefits for you and everyone around you, as you learn how to manage money well and spot the signs of financial stress.
- Money Saving Expert - a wide range of free resources, from cost calculators to energy tariff guidance.
- Money Helper - a government tool which offers financial literacy resources as well as an impartial helpline and live chat feature.
- MyLearningHub - free finance and debt management modules.
- PAM Assist - access a range of online financial guidance through our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
- Call PAM Assist 0800 882 4102 - then press 2 for financial welfare support.
Energy saving
As well as understanding your finances, it may be useful to read up on ways to cut costs as bills rise. We know that this isn’t a permanent solution to money problems, so please reach out to one of the linked advice helplines or your line manager if you're feeling worried.
- Energy Action Scotland | National Body (eas.org.uk) - guidance for households and toolkits for advisors. The toolkits are a great resource if you're a people manager or work with service users.
- Money Saving Expert - as well as offering financial literacy resources, Money Saving Expert has a number of tools to help you find the best deals on everything from energy tariffs to supermarket shops.
State benefits
- Scottish Government portal 'Cost of Living Support Scotland' is a one stop shop for advice and financial support available to people in Scotland.
- Benefits calculators - GOV.UK - use this to check if you're eligible for any financial assistance. You can also use it to check what you would be eligible for if your circumstances change.
- Turn2us is an independent organisation passionate about improving people’s financial security. Their website offers benefits calculators, grants and other information to support you.
- Claim Child Benefit: How it works - GOV.UK and Tax-Free Childcare - GOV.UK - how to claim child benefit and check if you're eligible for tax-free payments of up to £2000 per year.
If you're struggling
- The Advice Shop - free confidential and impartial advice on managing debt and increasing income through welfare benefits.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) - 24/7 confidential support, online support and guidance including money problems, stress, legal advice and counselling services.
- Trade Unions - if you're a member of a trade union you may be able to apply for a grant or loan. Visit your union’s website or speak to your union rep for details.
- Citizens Advice Edinburgh website has a wide range of support and advice, including financial services.
- Speak to your line manager about the options available to support you at work.
Learning and events
- Money Counts training has been developed by our Poverty Prevention team in response to the cost of living crisis and aims to reduce confusion, shame and worry around money. The training will help you to understand poverty in Edinburgh and sources of support.
- Log into myLearningHub and search for ‘Money Counts Training’ to get started.
- Money Saving Expert and the Open University have created a free 'Academy of Money' course, which will give you all the tools to master your finances.
- Log into myLearningHub and search for ‘Academy of Money’ to sign up.
- Octopus MoneyCoach have a library of resources available including webinars, case studies and independent financial research.
- Citizens Advice have a Debt and Money page on their website, which is a quick and easy reference guide to everything from pensions to understanding financial jargon. It’s a great tool to educate yourself and signpost others to.