The Cost of Living crisis presents an ongoing challenge to people and families across Scotland, with many struggling to make ends meet.

The Scottish Government launched a marketing campaign in September promoting the new website gov.scot/costofliving that brings together in one place information on support, grants, benefits and advice, in order to help people find what support they may be entitled to.

The cost of living crisis is being felt across most households in the country. If you are finding it difficult to cover household costs such as energy bills or paying your rent, make sure you find out what support and advice is available for you and your family.

Home Energy Scotland is helping people to reduce their bills, use energy more efficiently and create warmer homes. For advice and to find out what support you’re eligible for call 0808 808 2282 or visit homeenergyscotland.org. Depending on your circumstances you could get a discount on your council tax bill or be entitled to benefits to help pay for housing. Visit gov.scot/ costoflivingsupport for further information.

As part of the cost of living crisis, emergency legislation has been introduced to offer tenants stability in their homes with protection against unlawful evictions and rent increases. More information is available at gov.scot/rentersrights, or Shelter Scotland provides free housing advice online at scotland.shelter.org.uk.

If you need advice on how to manage your money or debt, you are not alone and there is support available. You may be able to get help with rent arrears or mortgage repayments or be eligible for a budgeting loan. Please see the organisations list of organisations below.

Visit gov.scot/costoflivingsupport for information on benefits and payments available and access to free online benefits calculators. The Money Talk Team are also on hand with advice at moneytalkteam.org.uk or on 0800 028 1456. If you already get certain low-income benefits or tax credits you could be eligible for other cost of living payments. The Scottish Welfare Fund can also provide crisis grants if you need financial help in an emergency. More information is available at gov.scot/costoflivingsupport.

Support is available to help with a range of family expenses including childcare and school costs. Eligible children can access 1140 hours of funded childcare. The Scottish Child Payment helps families on low incomes with a weekly payment for every eligible child. Best Start payments can help towards the costs of being pregnant or looking after a child. The Money Talk Team are also on hand with advice at moneytalkteam.org.uk or on 0800 028 1456.

There is a range of benefits designed to support older people; from pension credits that can help to cover living costs for those on lower incomes, to winter fuel payments and free bus travel. To find out if you could be eligible for pension credits call the Pension Service helpline on 0800 731 0469, or for general advice contact Age Scotland on 0800 12 44 222 or by visiting agescotland.org.uk. Additional support is available for adults and younger people living with a disability, from disability payments to winter heating assistance and free bus travel. Visit gov.scot/costoflivingsupport for more information.

Many of us worry about money – even before the cost of living crisis came about. So if you’re having problems making ends meet, you’re not alone. Parent Club can help guide you to advice that’s tailored to your family’s needs.

If you need to talk to someone, you can get free, trusted advice from the Money Talk Team.

Click the image opposite to visit the Parent Club website for more.

Advice Direct Scotland- Provide a range of services that can help with cost of living issues. This includes energy and debt advice, as well as access to the Scottish Government’s Home Heating Support Fund. They also have a free benefits calculator on their website to check entitlement. Visit www.advicedirect.scot Call 0808 800 9060

Breathing Space- A confidential phone line for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16 and feeling low, anxious or depressed. Visit www.breathingspace.scot Call 0800 83 85 87

Citizens Advice Money Talk Team- Get free, confidential advice locally about what benefits and grants you’re entitled to, as well as help and support on making your money go further and how to manage debt. Visit www.moneytalkteam.org.uk Call 0800 028 1456

Home Energy Scotland- Provide free and impartial advice to save on energy bills and make your home warmer. Visit www.homeenergyscotland.org Call 0808 808 2282

Shelter Scotland- Free housing advice for everyone. Visit Scotland.shelter.org.uk

Social Security Scotland- Apply for a benefit or find out what to do if you’ve already applied and need more help. Visit www.mygov.scot/benefits Call 0800 182 2222

StepChange Debt Charity Scotland- Free, impartial debt advice and practical solutions to help you take back control of your finances. Visit www.stepchange.org Call 0800 138 1111