As the coronavirus pandemic hits the economy harder, more people are now dependent on benefits due to job loss and reduced income. Many people aren’t able to pay for essential things like rent and mortgage costs while others struggle with fuel and food costs.

Four of the city’s advice services are still busy working to support residents to maximise their income and support through these difficult times – whether it is helping people to get the benefits they are entitled to, helping manage debt or rent arrears, giving advice on housing problems or budgeting or help with food and bills. All services are currently providing assistance remotely though some are starting to offer limited face to face appointments.

Contact us if you or any of your clients/residents/community/members need help through these difficult times:

• Citizens Advice Edinburgh: citizensadviceedinburgh.org.uk  Email contact@caed.org.uk Tel 0131 510 5510
• The City of Edinburgh Council Advice Shop : http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/adviceshop Email shop@edinburgh.gov.uk Tel 0131 200 2360
• Granton Information Centre: gic.org.uk Email info@gic.org.uk  Tel 0131 551 2459
• Community Help and Advice Initiative: chaiedinburgh.org.uk Email chai@chaiedinburgh.org.uk Tel 0131 442 2100