If you’re struggling to pay your bills

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.