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In all, since March 2020, we have dealt with 15556 client contacts with almost 30000 issues. We have helped clients gain £7.6 million; this is money that in all likelihood is being reinvested in our communities. We have also managed a 230% increase in employment issues for clients. WE CAN HELP MANY MORE.

DAGCAS is complying with government guidance to help contain the spread of COVID-19.

We are now OPEN for face-to-face appointments and a drop-in service. However, if you can contact us by telephone or through our website then you should continue to do so. This will be a quicker way of speaking to an adviser.

We will deliver an essential service that focuses on telephone, webchat and email enquiries.

For the latest updates on the Covid-19 outbreak and what it means for you, take a look at our advice website.

For the latest Government Guidance on new stay at home regulations in effect, click here.

Find out more about Coronavirus by visiting nhs inform.

You can access our essential services:

By telephone at 0300 303 4321 (Free from Landlines but from mobile may vary)

By email, fill out and send online enquiry form.

Universal Credit Help to Claim service at 0800 023 2581or click here to Webchat.

Money Talk Team (check if you can maximise your income) at 0800 085 7145 or click here to Webchat.

Use our information system to find out the answer to your Citizens Advice enquiries

We are extra busy during these challenging times and appreciate your patience.

💙💛 Thanks for understanding, stay safe and well from everyone from Dumfries and Galloway Citizens Advice💙💛

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Home | COVID-19 | If you’re struggling to pay your bills

If you’re struggling to pay your bills

4th June 2020

This includes things like your rent, mortgage, energy or council tax.

Check what help you can get if you’re struggling to pay your bills.

You might be able to claim benefits, or get more money if you’re already getting benefits. This includes any ‘statutory sick pay’ your employer might give you.

Check what benefits you can get.

If you can’t pay your council tax

If you can’t pay your council tax, check with your council if they can be flexible about your payments due to coronavirus.

You do not need to have been directly affected by Coronavirus to be eligible. Many councils, including Dumfries & Galloway have suspended collection activity for council tax arrears until further notice. If you are worried about how you will pay visit Dumfries and Galloway Council website.

You might qualify for a council tax reduction if your income has dropped or if you started claiming benefits recently. Use our check my council tax tool to see if you can reduce your bill.

If you don’t think you qualify for a reduction

If you don’t think you qualify, it’s still worth asking your local council if you can get a reduction or other help with the bill. You should continue to prioritise paying your council tax and your rent or mortgage.

If you’re struggling to pay, ask the council if they can be flexible about your payments due to coronavirus. They might agree to a payment plan or to delay taking action against you for missed payments. Check Dumfries and Galloway Council website for council tax advice.

Help with essentials like food and energy

If you need urgent help to pay for essentials like food, gas or electricity because of coronavirus, you could also apply to your local council for a crisis grant from the Scottish Welfare Fund.

The council will check your eligibility. They’re getting more money to pay out more grants because of coronavirus. You can apply even if you’ve had crisis grants before. Check our advice on applying for a crisis grant.

When you’re ready to apply, visit Dumfries and Galloway Council website.

You can also check our advice about foodbanks and other emergency help.

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