Winter 2024
West Dunbartonshire and Argyll & Bute -
Dunbritton Housing Association and Energy Links Scotland Energy Advice Page 2
Dunbritton Housing Association’s
Citizens Advice Service Page 3
Universal Credit Migration Page 4
Pension Credit & Winter Fuel Payment Pages 3 & 7
As winter approaches and energy prices are rising in January 2025, Community Links Scotland are working in partnership with Dunbritton Housing Association, to provide free energy support to our tenants.
The Energy Advice Service helps reduce energy costs whilst maintaining your comfort at home.
Key, no-cost energy-saving tips include:
• Lowering your thermostat by 1°C (saving up to £85/year)
• Turning off appliances when not in use (saving £40/year)
• Washing clothes at 30°C (saving 57% of energy)
• Switching to energy-efficient LED bulbs
• Avoiding overfilling your kettle (saving £26/year)
• Taking shorter showers (saving up to £50/year)
Additionally, there are several tips for staying warm and healthy during winter:
• Wear several layers of clothing made from cotton, wool, or fleece.
• Keep internal doors closed to retain heat and move furniture away from radiators to allow the heat to circulate better.
• Close curtains at night to trap warmth and reduce drafts.
• Keep bedroom windows closed at night to avoid cold air that can raise the risk of chest infections.
• Eat hot meals and drinks regularly to maintain energy and warmth.
• Stay active with light exercise to help keep warm.
• Use electric blankets as instructed and have them tested every three years. Don’t use an electric blanket and a hot water bottle together.
The service also offers assistance with accessing support programs
such as the Warm Home Discount, Priority Services Register and energy funding grants.
Emergency fuel vouchers are also available for households with prepaid meters at risk of selfdisconnection.
Support is available via in-home visits, phone, or video consultations.
For assistance, please contact:
• Phone: 0141 952 4382
• Email: energy@comlinks.org.uk
Contact your Housing Officer for a referral to Liz at Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) – 01389 761486 Option 2.
CAB provides a free, confidential, and impartial service for all residents of West Dunbartonshire and Dunbritton tenants residing in Argyll & Bute. They offer advice, assistance, and representation on a wide range of issues, including help to transition to Universal Credit, debt, benefits, housing, energy suppliers, consumer rights, employment, and many others.
CAB has trained advisers and a comprehensive information system that they refer to, ensuring the service they provide is reliable and up to date.
Even when CAB can’t assist directly with an issue, they can guide you on where to seek the help and support you need. CAB can be contacted directly on 0800 484 0136, Monday to Thursday, from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.
CAB is now working with Dunbritton Housing Association to accept referrals from housing officers. Liz from CAB is available at the Dunbritton office every Thursday from 1 pm to 4 pm for any DHA tenant to speak with directly for advice and support. If you are experiencing difficulties, we encourage you to speak with your housing officer, who can make a referral to Liz.
Did you know that a staggering £3.7m in Pension Credit funds is sitting unclaimed? Over 1600 people in West Dunbartonshire and 1300 people in Argyll and Bute might be missing out on a financial boost with Pension Credit! Did you know Pension Credit offers more than just extra cash? It can help with rent, energy bills, healthcare costs, NHS charges, and even Council Tax!
CAB’s “Pension Credit: Don’t Miss Out!” campaign is running until Friday, 20th of December. We aim to encourage older adults to apply for Pension Credit and seek advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau for additional assistance. If you’re over State Pension
age and on a low income, you might be eligible for Pension Credit, which will also entitle you to the Winter Fuel Payment.
Additionally, we want to emphasise that applying before December 21st will ensure you receive the Winter Fuel Payment and a three-month backdated Pension Credit payment. Don’t leave money on the table! We are here to help you find out if you qualify. It’s time to act. Apply now by contacting us on: 0800 484 0136 or at www.wdcab.co.uk or contact your Housing Officer on 01389 761 486 – Option 2. We will help you through the application process.
From September 2024, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) began sending out migration notices to claimants receiving Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). This marks the start of a gradual process, where people on older benefits will move onto Universal Credit (UC), with all claimants expected to transition by 2025.
If you currently claim any of the following legacy benefits, you will eventually be contacted to migrate to Universal Credit:
• Child Tax Credit
• Working Tax Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related ESA
The move doesn’t happen automatically. You will receive a migration notice from the DWP, and you must actively claim Universal Credit within three months of receiving this notice to avoid losing your benefits.
If you miss the deadline for claiming Universal Credit, your current benefits will stop, and you will lose the chance to receive “transitional protection,” which guarantees that you won’t be worse off when switching to UC.
If you migrate to UC and are entitled to less money than you were receiving on your legacy benefits, transitional protection ensures you continue to receive the same amount. However, if you switch benefits voluntarily, or if you have a change in circumstances that causes a “natural migration,” you will lose this protection.
Before migrating to Universal Credit, it’s important to seek advice to ensure you understand the impact on your benefits, especially as the rules differ from legacy benefits. Consider the following:
• Service Disability Premium: Many ESA claimants miss out on this, which may also affect eligibility for transition protection.
• Potential Deductions: UC may involve higher deductions, particularly if you have a partner who is expected to meet additional conditions.
• Claiming Timing: For some, the timing of your claim is crucial. For example, if you’re transitioning into a mixed-age couple, the timing could affect your claim.
The DWP has introduced an “Enhanced Support Journey” for those moving to UC, offering services like phone calls, home visits, and extended deadlines to ensure a smooth transition. If you need assistance, consider contacting a benefits adviser or speaking with your Housing Officer.
For claimants over state pension age, there are two possible routes depending on individual circumstances:
• Pension Credit: If both you and your partner are over state pension age, you will likely need to switch to Pension Credit, which tops up income for older people.
• Universal Credit: If you are in a mixed-age couple (one partner under pension age), or if you receive Working Tax Credit, you may be asked to claim UC.
Migration to Universal Credit is a significant change for many people receiving legacy benefits. If you’ve received a migration notice, it’s crucial to act within the specified timeframe to ensure you continue to receive the financial support you’re entitled to. Seek advice before making any decisions to ensure you fully understand the implications of switching to Universal Credit.
The Carers Support Payment (CSP) is replacing Carers Allowance (CA) in Scotland. You could receive £81.90 a week if you’re eligible. If you already receive CA your award will transfer to CSP automatically.
Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) can give you extra money if you have reached State Pension age and have care needs because of a disability or long-term health condition. PDAP is replacing Attendance Allowance in Scotland. You do not need to do anything if you already get Attendance Allowance you will transfer automatically.
A payment providing extra money to help with the costs of caring for a child with a disability or ill-health condition. It replaces Disability Living Allowance for children in Scotland that was previously delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions.
A payment providing extra money to help people who have a long-term illness or a disability that affects their everyday life. It replaces Personal Independence Payment for people in Scotland previously delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions.
One off payment of up to £754.65 from 24 weeks in pregnancy up until a baby turns 6 months for families who are in receipt of specific type benefit.
One off payment of £314.45 when a child is between two and three years and six months for families who are in receipt of specific type benefit.
One off payment of £314.45 when a child starts Primary One, for families who are in receipt of specific type benefit.
Receive a pre-paid card from pregnancy up to when a child turns three for families who are in receipt of specific type benefits, to help buy healthy food.
£314.45 for 16 to 24 year olds who have been on certain benefits for six months or more to help with the costs of starting a job.
A yearly payment of £383.75 for young carers in Scotland. To be able to get Young Carer Grant, you must be 16, 17 or 18 years old.
These benefits and grants aim to support a wide range of needs, from starting a family to transitioning into work or caring for others. For more information visit mygov.scot.
To see if you are eligible and apply for any of these grants visit your local council website. Alternatively, you can contact A&BC on 01546 605512 or WDC on 01389 738296.
Scammers are preying on financial vulnerability, using fake offers and alarming tactics to trick people into handing over money or personal information. Here’s how to spot and avoid these scams:
If you’re promised fast cash, offered the cheapest deal ever, or free financial advice, be cautious. Always seek independent advice before making significant financial changes, such as pensions or investments.
If you suspect a scam:
• Contact your bank immediately and cancel recurring payments.
• Report the scam to Consumer Advice on 0808 164 6000 or report it to Police Scotland on 101
Criminals are exploiting the crisis with fake offers of rebates, grants, and payments. Remember:
• Government support is automatic: Payments like cost-of-living help are sent directly to your bank account if you qualify. The DWP never asks for personal information via text, email, or calls.
• Beware council tax rebate calls: Councils won’t call to ask for bank details. Rebates are processed automatically for those paying by direct debit.
• Ofgem doesn’t offer rebates: If you receive texts claiming to be from Ofgem about energy rebates, don’t respond or click links.
• Fake Tax Refunds: HMRC will never email, text, or WhatsApp you about refunds or unpaid taxes. Messages claiming otherwise are scams—ignore them or report to HMRC.
• ‘Martin Lewis’ Adverts: Scammers misuse trusted names, like Martin Lewis, in fake investment schemes online. Verify such adverts through official channels.
• Be aware of unusual requests for money or personal details.
• Verify communication directly with organisations through their official websites or contact numbers.
• Report any suspicious emails, texts, or calls to the relevant authority.
• You can report a suspicious text message by forwarding the text to 7762
Remember: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Staying alert can help protect your finances and personal information.
• If you’ve already responded to a scam, end all further communication immediately.
• Call your bank directly and cancel any payments that haven’t yet been made. For speed and ease, you can dial 159 from your phone – this will connect you directly with your bank.
• Report the scam via the Consumer Advice website at https://consumeradvice.scot or call them on 0808 164 6000. You can also report scams to Police Scotland on 101
• Another option if it’s an online scam, is to report it to the Advertising Standards Authority at https:// www.asa.org.uk/. Do this in addition to reporting it to Consumer Advice.
The Winter Fuel Payment is a tax-free grant to help pensioner households manage heating costs during the winter. While the payment has been available to all households with someone at state pension age in the past, new rules from 2024/25 mean it will now be means-tested
You may qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment if:
• You are of state pension age (66 or older), and
• You receive Pension Credit, or one of these other benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit
If you believe you’re eligible but don’t yet receive Pension Credit, you can still apply by 21 December 2024 to qualify for this winter’s payment. Pension Credit applications can be backdated by up to three months if you were eligible during that period.
• Automatic payments: If eligible, you should receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically. Expect a notification letter in October or November, with payments typically made by December 2024.
• Amount: Payments can be up to £300, depending on individual circumstances.
While the Scottish Government had planned to introduce its own Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (PAWHP) in winter 2024/25, this has been delayed until winter 2025/26. For this winter, eligible Scottish pensioners will continue to receive the Winter Fuel Payment via the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Home Energy Scotland provides free advice and support to make homes warmer, lower energy bills, and promote sustainability. Funded by the Scottish Government and managed by Energy Saving Trust, the service is committed to tackling fuel poverty and addressing the climate emergency.
Services Offered:
• Energy Savings: Practical advice to improve energy efficiency and keep your home warm.
• Funding Assistance: Guidance on accessing Scottish Government grants and interest-free loans.
• Renewable Energy: Expert advice on adopting renewable energy installations.
• Sustainable Travel: Information on greener travel options, including electric vehicles and eBikes.
• Water Waste Reduction: Tips to minimise water waste and save money.
Home Energy Scotland is accessible to all, with translation services and materials in audio, large print, or braille available. Contact their advisors for personalised assistance Monday to Saturday via freephone at 0808 808 2282.
The Scottish Child Payment is a weekly benefit of £26.70 per child under 16, paid every four weeks to support families with children. It’s designed to help with the costs of raising a family and does not affect other Scottish Government benefits you or your household may receive.
You can spend this payment however you choose, such as:
• Travel costs
• Nappies and other essentials
• Childcare
• Family activities
This payment is part of a broader suite of family benefits, including the Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods, provided by Social Security Scotland.
For more details or to apply, visit mygov.scot/scottishchild-payment or call 0800 182 2222.
If you rent your home in Scotland and receive Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit but still struggle to cover your housing costs, you may qualify for Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP). This payment is designed to help with housing-related financial shortfalls, ensuring you can afford to stay in your home.
You may be eligible for DHP if:
• Your benefits don’t cover your full rent.
• You’re affected by the bedroom tax or benefit cap.
• You need help with tenancy deposits, rent in advance, or moving costs.
• You’re experiencing financial hardship due to nondependant deductions or Local Housing Allowance rates.
DHP can assist with:
• Rent shortfalls not covered by benefits.
• Arrears caused by benefits not meeting rent costs.
• Costs related to securing a new tenancy, such as deposits or moving expenses.
Please note that DHP will not cover council tax or shortfalls caused by repaying a benefit overpayment.
DHP is managed by local councils. To apply, visit your council’s website via https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/ or https://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/ and follow the instructions for your area.
DHP payments can be one-off or ongoing, depending on your circumstances, and they will not affect your other benefits as they are not included in the benefit cap.
If you’re facing housing costs you can’t manage, DHP could provide the support you need to ease the burden.
Advice Direct Scotland is dedicated to providing free, accessible, and practical advice to individuals across Scotland. Their services are designed to be user-friendly and relevant, ensuring support is always within reach.
Their brands include:
• consumeradvice.scot for support with consumer rights and disputes.
• moneyadvice.scot offering financial advice and debt management.
• energyadvice.scot providing assistance with energy costs and efficiency.
• advice.scot addressing benefits, housing, neighbourhood concerns, and more.
Committed to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges, Advice Direct Scotland can help you in overcoming difficulties with expert guidance. For more information you can call them Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm on 0808 800 9060, or visit their website, https://advice.scot
DID YOU KNOW? If you are on Universal Credit, you may be eligible for cheap, long term ‘social tariffs’.
Standard deals with generally cheaper headline prices due to new sign-up incentives. These types of deals usually win if you’re a regular switcher. Although if you would prefer to stick with the same provider for more than a year, then social tariffs are likely to be the cheapest option.
To qualify for one of these tariffs you will need to be receiving one of the following: universal credit, pension credit, income-based employment support allowance, income-based jobseeker’s allowance, or income support.
For further information and too see what deals are accessible to you visit: https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-forconsumers/costs-and-billing/social-tariffs
The Helensburgh & Lomond Foodbank is an independent, volunteer-run service dedicated to supporting individuals and families in the Helensburgh and Lomond area experiencing food poverty. The foodbank relies entirely on donations from local residents and businesses, ensuring that those in need can access vital assistance.
There is no referral required—anyone facing a crisis is welcome to drop in at one of their foodbank sessions. These are held at:
• Helensburgh Community Hub: 10am–12pm, and Thursdays, 3pm–7pm
• St Modan’s Church Community Centre, Rosneath (G84 0RD):
Visitors will receive a warm welcome along with a bag of essential food items, fresh fruit, and bakery goods. Additionally, the foodbank provides signposting to other support services, offering advice and resources on welfare benefits, debt, housing, homelessness, addiction services, and more.
West Dunbartonshire Community Foodshare is a registered charity dedicated to supporting those affected by poverty and food insecurity across the region. Their services are free and available to anyone in need, with no referral required.
The charity provides next-working-day delivery of emergency food parcels, which include fresh, frozen, and non-perishable items, toiletries, household cleaning products, baby essentials, and even pet food.
They also offer additional support, including:
• School Uniform Bank: Supplying new uniforms, jackets, and shoes (subject to funding and availability).
• School Holiday Brunch Bags: Providing daily breakfast, lunch, and snacks for children during
For further information please have a look at the Helensburgh and Lomond Foodbank Website: https:// helensburghlomondfoodbank.org If you live in West Dunbartonshire and need help, call 01389 764135 or Freephone 0800 3457050 for support or visit their website https://westdunbartonshirecommunityfoodshare.co.uk for more information.
school holidays, thanks to funding from Cash for Kids and the WDC Shine Project.
• Fuel Bank: Offering emergency gas and electricity top-up vouchers for those in a fuel crisis (eligibility criteria apply).
Food for Thought is the only charity in West Dunbartonshire providing emergency food aid five days a week. Based at Unit 15, Artisan Shopping Centre, Dumbarton (G82 1LL), it offers support to individuals and families struggling with food insecurity.
No appointments are needed—just drop in during their opening hours:
• Monday: 10am–3pm
• Tuesday: 10am–3:30pm
• Wednesday: 10 am – 2pm
• Thursday: 10am–3:30pm
• Friday: 10am–3pm
The charity provides emergency food parcels designed to last three days, including meals and toiletries. Self-referrals are welcome, as are agency referrals.
They also run a community lunch on Wednesdays (12pm–2pm) and Thursdays (11:30am–1:30pm), which is free, with donations accepted.
Food for Thought also run an outreach centre every Tuesday between 11am – 12pm at Catra Centre, 5 Alexander Street, Alexandria.
If you cannot make it to the outreach centre or the Office but are in need of support, you can contact the team on 01389 743908 or by email at admin@foodforthoughtwestdun. co.uk
For more information on everything you read in our ‘Money Matters’ magazine, visit the support section of our website – www.dunbritton.org. uk /support/. Here you will find links and contact details for everything you need. From Universal Credit to Foodbanks, you will find it all here.
Need help now? Call free on 0800 83 85 87
Opening hours
Weekdays: Monday-Thursday 6pm to 2am
Weekend: Friday 6pm-Monday 6am
Visit the Dunbritton Website www.dunbritton.org.uk/support/ GOT A QUESTION? CALL US TODAY ON Tel: 01389 761486
Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. We’re here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Call 116 123 for free
Anyone can experience mental health issues, at any point in their life. You don’t have to deal with these problems alone.
NHS 24 mental health services are available to everyone in Scotland. The services we offer include listening, offering advice, and guiding you to further help if required.
Call 111
admin@dunbritton.org.uk