Self-help
Self-help tools and resources
We have proved a number of tools below to allow you to find help and advice for yourself, covering a range of issues, from benefits and council tax, to maternity leave, child maintenance, pensions and budgeting tips.
Charitable and Occupational Grants
Why not have a look to see if you can find any help with Charitable Grants Checker. You do not have to be on benefits to apply for some grants, but may find you can access help through previous occupations, unions and some health related issue.
Benefits Calculators
Complete your own benefits check using one of the two links below. You will need to have your own/and partner income, benefits, Council tax band, rent costs and other family members details to hand.
Tips, Budgeting and Information
Look to see if there is any further support available to increase your income or reduce your bills using the online checker.
Council Tax Checker
Could you pay less Council Tax? Use our checker tool below to see if you qualify for any discounts or reductions.
Child Maintenance
Anyone can use the Government tool below which can provide guidance for calculating Child Maintenance. This can be used by either parent, paying towards, or receiving any maintenance payments.
Maternity
Anyone can use this Government tool for checking what type of Maternity leave or pay you may be entitled too.
Employee Holiday
You can use the Government tool if you are an employee wanting to check general guidance on Holiday entitlement.
Local services and Groups
Check for services, groups, foodbanks etc. in your local area. You can use the tool to look for warm spaces, activities and many other things by clicking on the advanced search option and selecting the specific areas you need.
Dumfries and Galloway Council Support
Dumfries and Galloway Cost of living help page has been set up by the council to let the community know what help is available.
Scottish Benefits
Various specific benefits are only available to residents living in Scotland. You can use this link to look at these benefits and if you are entitled and if so how to apply. Social security Scotland has information on all benefits available and the information can be viewed in many languages.
Free Public Advice
Citizens Advice Scotland Public site Advisernet has a huge amount of knowledge on a variety of subject matters. It does include template letters you can also use and is accessible 24hrs per day.
D&GCAS Debt Self Help Pack
D&GCAS have created a self help pack with all the information and resources you’ll need to manage your debts. This includes a financial statement template, Budgeting help as well as letter templates for writing to your creditors.
