MONEY TALK PROJECT
The Money Talk service is delivered by the Citizens Advice Network in Scotland and backed by the Scottish Government. It aims to motivate low income families to seek financial advice to maximise their income by ensuring that they are not paying more for essential goods and services than they need to and that they are getting all the benefits, grants and exemptions (council tax, energy) to which they are entitled. It also allows them to access support and impartial advice where they need to e.g. debt advice.
Examples of support:
Full benefits check
Baby Box
Best Start grant
Energy / Phone supplier switch
energy reduction advice
credit unions
Who is this aimed at?
Anyone can access the service, however the seven target groups are:
Single parent families
Families which include a disabled adult or child
Larger families
Minority ethnic families
Families with a child under one year old
Families where the mother is under 25 years of age.
Older people and those approaching retirement age
While these groups will be the focus of targeted activity, any low income household can also access a financial health check with the Money Talk Team.
Where can I find more information?
www.financialhealth.scot (lots of FAQs listed here)
How do people access the service?
On the helpline 0800 085 7145. The line is open from 8am – 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Face-to-face at their local bureau. An appointment can be arranged by calling the main helpline, calling their local bureau or by dropping in to their local bureau.
