Financial Help

Every week people face challenges, loss of employment, reduced hours, having children and breakups are just some examples but they all can lead to changes in our finances. If you are facing a change in your circumstances or are just struggling with paying your bills then you’re not alone and help is at hand. We realise that independent financial advice would be a benefit to all employees and their families, whatever their circumstances. This service ensures that employees faced with an important financial decision can access impartial financial advice. The two firms selected to provide this service are both regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
Blythswood Associates
178 Bath Street Glasgow G2 4HG     
Tel: 0141 341 2864
Tilney
130 St Vincent Street Glasgow G2 5SE   
Tel: 0141 212 9290
Employees interested in obtaining financial advice should contact the advisors directly to arrange an appointment out with working hours. The initial consultation is completely free of charge. If you wish to proceed with the recommendations made by the consultant, any future advice and assistance would be fee or commission based and agreed with you beforehand.

There are a number of organisations and schemes for employees which can offer financial support or advice. Links to all of these resources can be found at the bottom of the page.

Credit Unions
There are three Credit Unions which currently operate within East Ayrshire and all offer savings accounts and loan facilities. Scotwest also offer mortgages and a Christmas savings club.
Contributory Health Care
Two non-profit making charitable trusts, The Hospital Saturday Fund and Simply Health, act as providers of Employee Health Care Plans. Both plans pay benefits in cash to help employees and their families cope with the ever increasing cost of family health care. The plan works by the employee voluntarily contributing a weekly sum to their Health Care Plan from which they can claim a cash benefit when they or their family have to seek medical assistance for things such as dental, optical, maternity or hospital care.

Whatever life throws at you, we have internal services or external organisations that can assess whether you might be entitled to some financial assistance. Everybody needs a financial health check during particularly during difficult times. 
East Ayrshire Money is a service which can help by putting you in touch with the right local organisation that can best provide the advice, information & support for any benefit or money issues.
If you need to apply for a Council Tax reduction, you can find details at Our East Ayrshire. Details on Clothing Grants and Free School Meals can be found here too. 
The Scottish Welfare Fund can provide Crisis Grants for emergency or disaster situations and Community Care Grants to help set up or stay in your home. 
Citizens Advice is Scotland's largest independent advice network and is free, confidential, impartial and available to anyone. 
Social Security Scotland can help you apply for targeted benefits to help alleviate poverty such as Best Start, Young Carer & Funeral Support.
Money Advice Scotland provides signposting to free confidential and independent advice on how to deal with debt problems. 
Step Change provides free, expert debt advice, no matter how large or small your debt problem is.
Home Energy Scotland offer free & impartial advice on energy saving, keeping warm at home, renewable energy, greener travel, water waste and more. 
Fleet Solutions provides a cost effective way to lease a brand new car via salary sacrifice. 
Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) are part of the Strathclyde Local Government Pension Fund (SPFO) who has an arrangement with Prudential to provide this service. They are an efficient way to save extra for retirement because they attract tax relief. Where an employee opts to pay AVCs, the Trust can also contribute to the arrangement on the employees behalf.

Council Tenants
If your income suffers as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19), please be assured we can help, whatever your financial circumstances. If you are worried about paying your rent, you should contact your neighbourhood coach who can discuss various options such as payment plans and work with you on a long term solution which secures your home. If you are unsure who your neighbourhood coach is, please contact 01563 554400. If you are entitled to Housing Benefit or housing cost payments through Universal Credit, you may be entitled to a Discretionary Housing Payment which are extra payments to help pay rent. Email benefits@east-ayrshire.gov.uk for advice.
Home owners
If you are struggling to pay your mortgage, you should contact your lender as soon as possible. Your lender might be able to offer you supports such as taking a payment holiday, extending your mortgage term or temporarily switching to interest only payments.
Homeless
If you are homeless or at risk of being homeless you can speak with a Housing Options Officer during office hours by calling 01563 554400 or by emailing homelessness@east-ayrshire.gov.uk. We can provide you with temporary accommodation as well as confidential advice and assistance to prevent you from becoming homeless. If you require assistance out-with office hours please call 0345 724 0000. East Ayrshire Homelessness Action have regularly drop-ins providing snacks, support and advice for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. They also provide food parcels, clothing, household essentials and hygiene packs for anyone in crisis. Email  janice.grant@hotmail.co.uk or emma_wylie@outlook.com or call 07871 153458.
Private Rented Sector
If you are a tenant and are having difficulty paying your rent, speak to your landlord as soon as you can to try and reach a solution. If you are a landlord experiencing difficulty you can contact us for advice guidance. Contact the Private Sector Housing Unit by emailing landlordregistration@east-  ayrshire.gov.uk.