https://www.clao.org.uk/if-we-cant-help/information-on-other-organisations-or-agencies-that-may-be-able-to-help/benefits/
https://www.clao.org.uk/if-we-cant-help/information-on-other-organisations-or-agencies-that-may-be-able-to-help/benefits/
There is a wide network of welfare advisors who provide advice and assistance on eligibility, applying for and maximising your benefits.
If you are seeking assistance in relation to appealing a decision of the Department of Work and Pension and/or taking your case to the First Tier Tribunal (Social Security Chamber) a welfare advisor can assist you with that too. We have listed the contact details of advice agencies who may be able to assist with these types of cases below.
If you wish to appeal a decision of the First Tier Tribunal a solicitor may be able to assist you with that. We have listed Find a solicitor options available to source legal advice and assistance from the Law Society of Scotland or the Scottish Legal Aid Board on the If we can’t help? page.
Citizens Advice Scotland form Scotland’s largest independent advice network. Some bureaux have in-court advisors and lay representatives – find your local Citizens Advice Bureau at www.cas.org.uk/bureaux.
The Citizens Advice Bureau is an accredited agency for referrals to the Free Legal Services Unit of the Faculty of Advocates (see below).
The Free Legal Services Unit (FLSU) was established to provide free legal advice and representation by volunteer advocates for those who cannot afford the legal help they need, and who cannot obtain assistance from any other source. If you are interested in accessing help from the FLSU you will need to consult an accredited agency and meet certain criteria.
Free Legal Services Units which can be accessed through accredited agencies. Current accredited advice agencies can be found at www.advocates.org.uk/instructing-advocates/free-legal-services-unit
Provides advice, information, and support for people living across the Edinburgh and Lothians.
Website: www.chaiedinburgh.org.uk
Tel: 0131 442 2100.
Provies free and confidential information and advice on welfare benefits and debt matters.
Website: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/benefits-grants/advice-shop
Initial contact can be made by phoning 0131 200 2360 or calling into 249 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1YJ.
The main issues they can deal with is welfare benefits, housing issues, rent arrears and debt/money advice.
Website: www.gic.org.uk
Tel: 0131 551 2459/0131 552 0458
Email: info@gic.org.uk
Provides information, advice and representation on welfare rights, employment rights, money, debt and housing.
Website: www.westlothian.gov.uk/adviceshop
Tel: 01506 283 000.
Highland Council Welfare Support can assist with any benefits you might be entitled to, support with money matters or personal budgeting advice.
Website: www.highland.gov.uk/info/335/community_advice/405/welfare_support
Telephone: 0800 090 1004
If you live in Aberdeen City, the benefits and money advice team can provide free, impartial and confidential advice on all aspects of money, budgeting and debt.
Website: www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/benefits-and-advice/get-money-advice
Telephone: 03000 200 292
Lines are open Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm
Email: benefits@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Email: moneyadvice@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Our office in Huntly is the base for The Huntly Hub; a multi-agency project incorporating Gordon Rural Action, Job Centre Plus, Momentum, Enable, Barnardo’s, Home Energy Scotland, Aberdeenshire North Food Bank and a variety of other partners.
Gordon Rural Action, at The Huntly Hub, 55 Gordon Street, Huntly, AB54 8EQ, offers a wide range of free, confidential, impartial and independent advice and digital access on a range of issues including:
Website: https://gordonruralaction.org.uk/
Tel: 01466 793 676
Email: enquiries@gordonrural.org.uk
Aberdeen Cyrenians are a local charity. They can offer advice/support on homelessness issues, housing and benefits, debt management, access to food/clothing/toiletries/furniture/bedding/household essentials/phones/digital support. They have mailbox service for those with no fixed address.
Website: www.aberdeen-cyrenians.org
Tel: 01224 625 732
Email: info@aberdeen-cyrenians.org
Law Clinics can provide free legal advice, assistance and representation to members of the public. Contact your local clinic if you feel you have a problem they could help you with. The law clinics operating in Aberdeen at present are:
Website: abdnlawproject.com
Tel: 01224 272 434
Email: general@abdlawproject.com
Website: www.rgu.ac.uk/life-at-rgu/learning-facilities/law-facilities/the-law-clinic
Tel: 01224 262 394
Email: thelawclinic@rgu.ac.uk
Please note that law clinics do not advise in all areas of law, with normal exclusions being family law and criminal law. Please also note that the relevant law clinic may not be able to assist you, particularly if you earn over a certain threshold amount or if there is a more appropriate alternative provider who can assist you, which would normally be the case if you are eligible for legal aid.