Best Student Bank Accounts 2020
Banks love reeling new students in with goodies, and the latest batch of accounts are out. This is a guide to bagging the best deal, whether you’re a fresher or just refreshing your finances.
The Scottish Welfare Fund
The Scottish Welfare Fund is a national scheme which is provided by local authorities. The Fund pays out crisis grants and community care grants to people in crisis and to people who need support to live independently in the community. The Citizen’s Advice website has lots of information regarding different types of crisis support available […]
Struggling with Living Costs
If you don’t have enough to live on, you might be able to get help from your local council or an interest-free loan from the government. If you’re waiting for benefit payments to start, you might be able to get your benefit paid early. The Citizen’s Advice website has lots of information regarding different types […]
Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
You might be able to get Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) while you look for a full-time job. You can get it while you’re out of work, or if you’re working less than 16 hours a week. However, Universal Credit has replaced JSA for most people. The Citizens Advice website has lots of information regarding Jobseeker’s Allowance […]
Benefits Calculator
With major changes to the benefits system regarding Universal Credit, it’s becoming more confusing to understand which benefits you’re entitled to and how you can receive them. The Citizen’s Advice online Benefits Calculator is a useful tool to help you understand the benefits you can receive. They also offer support in their local offices.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit has replaced these benefits for most people including benefits such as Housing Benefit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) and more. The Citizen’s Advice website has lots of information regarding Universal Credit including who qualifies, changes to existing benefits and how to apply.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is extra money to help you with everyday life if you’ve an illness, disability or mental health condition. You can get it on top of Employment and Support Allowance or other benefits. Your income, savings, and whether you’re working or not don’t affect your eligibility. The Citizen’s Advice website has lots […]
Carer’s Allowance
Carer’s Allowance is a benefit for people who are giving regular and substantial care to disabled people. Carer’s Allowance is a taxable benefit and forms part of your taxable income. The Citizen’s Advice website has lots of information regarding the Carer’s Allowance including who qualifies and how to apply.
The Young Carer Grant
The Young Carer Grant is a payment from Social Security Scotland. It’s paid once a year to carers aged 16-18 years, who do at least 16 hours of caring a week on average, but don’t receive Carer’s Allowance. The Citizen’s Advice website has lots of information regarding the Young Carer Grant including who qualifies and […]
Bank Cards Explained
Bank cards are an important part of managing your finances but they can be confusing. You may be asked to give your account details to receive bursary payments or your wages, so it’s important to know about this. This guide explains where you can find your details on your card. Alternatively, you can find these […]