{"id":475,"date":"2021-05-20T09:14:32","date_gmt":"2021-05-20T08:14:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/parentalhwbawarenessprogramme\/?page_id=475"},"modified":"2022-11-08T15:03:49","modified_gmt":"2022-11-08T15:03:49","slug":"financial-information","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/parentalhwbawarenessprogramme\/helpline-information\/financial-information\/","title":{"rendered":"Financial Information"},"content":{"rendered":"

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If you are worried about debt then you are not alone. Most of us find ourselves stretched financially from time to time and usually things get back to normal. Occasionally though, bills can mount up, arrears can increase and debts can easily get out of control. The best thing to do is seek help and talk things through. Read more about the financial supports available here: Financial Support.<\/a><\/p>\n

New<\/strong> – Scottish Government have launched a cost of living website which you can access here http:\/\/gov.scot\/costoflivingsupport<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Scottish Child Payment information sheet<\/a> \"\"<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t Miss Out!<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/strong>Warm Home Discount Scheme<\/strong> gives money off your electricity bill, or if your supplier gives you both gas and electricity, money off the gas bill. It is a payment for those on Pension Guaranteed Credit or certain others on low income who meet the criteria through your supplier.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Customers who are eligible via the core group e.g. those in receipt of the guaranteed element of pension credit will still be contacted automatically in November whilst customers who fit the criteria via the broad group category must still apply to be eligible<\/strong> for the payment. \u00a0Check with your own individual supplier for more information.<\/p>\n

For further information visit –<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/the-warm-home-discount-scheme\/energy-suppliers<\/a><\/p>\n

Open Now –<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Utilita Warm Home Discount Scheme for 2022\/23<\/strong> in Scotland is now open for current Utilita customers. Information and how to apply can be found here – Warm Home Discount in Scotland | Utilita Energy<\/a><\/p>\n

The window for applications to Utilita is very small \u2013 5th<\/sup> October until 12th<\/sup> October <\/strong>so it is important that customers apply now.<\/p>\n

The EDF Energy Warm Home Discount Scheme 2022\/23<\/strong> is also open for applications for current EDF Energy customers living in Scotland and information on criteria as well as how to apply can be found here:
\nWHD – Scotland | EDF (edfenergy.com)<\/a><\/p>\n

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For an update on the Cost of Living payment, click this link<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/cost-of-living-payment<\/a><\/p>\n

Education Maintenance Allowance(EMA)<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) gives financial support to eligible 16 to 19 year olds who want to continue learning. You may also be eligible for EMA if you are on an Activity Agreement placement. EMA is a weekly payment of \u00a330 for students who are planning to continue in post-compulsory education from August 2022.\u00a0<\/strong>If your date of birth falls between\u00a01 March\u00a02003<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a030 September 2006<\/strong> you may be eligible for an EMA form the start of the academic year 2022\/23.\u00a0 For more information click on this link.<\/a><\/p>\n

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Free School Meals\/Clothing Grant<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

If you child qualifies for free school meals then they would be entitled to receive a two course meal worth \u00a32.15<\/strong> per day.\u00a0 You can qualify even if you are working and in receipt of certain benefits. <\/strong>Check if you qualify and to apply online at \u2013https:\/\/www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk\/CouncilAndGovernment\/Benefits\/Benefits-EducationAndSchool\/Clothing-grants-and-free-school-meals\/Clothing-grants-and-free-school-meals.aspx<\/a><\/p>\n

Bridging Payment<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

If you qualify for free school meals based on low income then you will also qualify for the \u00a3130 Bridging Payment.<\/strong>\u00a0The Autumn payment is due to be paid on 14th<\/sup> October 2022, or later if claims are registered before the end of term in October 2022. You can’t get these payments if your child is in early learning and childcare (nursery). The Scottish Child Payment<\/a> is available for children under the age of 6. Visit website –\u00a0Scottish child payment bridging payments \u00b7 East Ayrshire Council (east-ayrshire.gov.uk)<\/a><\/p>\n

Are you claiming Scottish Child Payment?<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Scottish Child Payment is currently \u00a340 every 4 weeks for a child under the age of six.<\/p>\n

This payment is set to increase from 1st April 2022 to \u00a380 every 4 weeks.<\/strong><\/p>\n

You can apply whether you are in work or not<\/strong>, as long as you are getting one or more of the following benefits:<\/p>\n