Since its introduction in 2021, the Scottish Child Payment has made a significant difference to families across Scotland by helping cover the costs of raising children. Over 325,000 children and young people, aged 0 to 15, have been in receipt of the payment as of September 2024. However, it’s estimated that many more families who would qualify for the support are not currently claiming it. Scottish Child Payment is a weekly payment of £26.70 paid every 4 weeks to eligible people and helps towards the costs of supporting children up to the age of 16. You can apply for the payment if you: Claim Universal Credit or other qualifying benefits Have a child or children aged up to 16yrs Social Security Scotland is determined to ensure all eligible families access this vital benefit and are particularly keen to raise awareness among families with older children, those living in rural areas, and parents from ethnic minority backgrounds. How to Apply To check eligibility and submit an application, visit www.mygov.scot/scottishchildpayment . You can also call Social Security Scotland free of charge on 0800 182 2222 for further information. If you're unsure of eligibility or need some assistance with the application, CHAP advisers are able to help. Call our office on Freephone 030 0002 0002 or use the live chat feature on our website to arrange an appointment in North or East Ayrshire. If you think your family might qualify, please don’t wait - take action today and make sure you're receiving the financial support you're entitled to. 

Now that credit card bills and loan repayment invoices are arriving after the festive season, millions of people are bracing for the financial realities of Christmas spending. Recent research from lender Creditspring reveals a worrying trend - with over 9 million individuals entering 2025 with significant debt due to the rising costs of the festivities. Young People Hit Hardest The research highlights that young people, particularly those aged 18-34, are the most affected: 25% of young adults had reported that their Christmas spending would push them into debt - significantly higher than the UK average of 17%. 39% of 18-34 year olds said they had relied on their savings to cover festive expenses, compared to the UK average of 32%. 29% said they needed to borrow money from friends or family - more than double the national average of 14%. The study also found that 27% of young people couldn’t afford to buy presents at Christmas, over twice the UK average of 13%, while 21% of all UK adults were worried they wouldn’t be able to afford festive gifts or activities. The harsh reality is that many are now left grappling with the burden of credit card and loan repayments - a situation that we often see reflected in the numbers of people engaging with CHAP services at this time of year. You’re Not Alone: CHAP Can Help For those facing financial challenges, it’s important to remember there’s support available. High levels of debt, if left unmanaged, can quickly spiral out of control, but help is just a phone call away. At CHAP, our dedicated Money Advice Team can assist you with managing debt and regaining control of your finances. Our services are free, independent, and confidential, ensuring that you get the support you need to plan for a more financially stable year ahead. If you live in North or East Ayrshire, please don’t struggle alone - get in touch today: Call us on Freephone 030 0002 0002 or use the live chat feature on our website . Together, we can help you take the first step towards a brighter financial future. Source: Financial News

CHAP is looking for a person who wants to really make a difference. Post: Information and Advice Worker CHAP, a charitable organisation based in Ayrshire, is looking for an Information and Advice Worker to join our successful team who, in 2023, secured £2.9 million in financial gains for our clients. But we want to do better! Thanks to support from the National Lottery Community Fund, we are looking to increase capacity by adding another Information and Advice Worker to the team. This is a role where the successful candidate can really make a difference in supporting the most vulnerable people in our community. CHAP provides independent advice and information on housing, welfare rights, and debt issues, completely free of charge, to people in crisis across Ayrshire. We exist to provide hope and to stand alongside our clients as they deal with some of life’s most difficult challenges. We give those who need our help a voice. The successful candidate will support the delivery of our advice services and will ideally have extensive knowledge in the areas of welfare rights, housing, and money advice as well as experience of representing and negotiating on behalf of clients; however, full training will be provided. Applicants should have experience of working with individuals in an empowering capacity across all elements of their lives to achieve long-term positive outcomes. A driving licence and access to your own transport is essential. If you think you have the enthusiasm, skills and experience required and would like to join this successful team, please telephone 030 0002 0002 to find out more or send your CV with a cover letter explaining why you think you are suitable for this position to enquiries@chap.org.uk . Alternatively, you can download an application form , complete it and email to enquiries@chap.org.uk . You can also download our recruitment privacy policy . Information and Advice Worker Job Description Person Specification This post is subject to appropriate references and a PVG scheme record disclosure. Closing date for applications is 5:00pm on Friday 24th January 2025, with interviews taking place on Friday 31st January 2025. CHAP is an equal opportunities employer and therefore actively encourages applications from all sections the community. We would be particularly interested in applicants who may have “lived experience”.

CHAP is very excited to announce that it will be delivering an outreach service for residents of East Ayrshire. Starting in early January, CHAP will offer a range of services from its base within the CentreStage building in Kilmarnock town centre. Advisers will be available to support individuals and families facing challenges relating to housing, welfare rights, and debt issues. This initiative marks a significant step in CHAP’s expansion to ensure its vital services are accessible to more people across Ayrshire. This partnership with CentreStage aligns with CHAP’s holistic approach to problem-solving, working alongside local organisations to improve the standard of living for communities. CEO of CHAP, Debbie Alexander, said: "Thanks to funding support from the Garfield Weston Foundation, we are able to bring our services to East Ayrshire. This funding makes a significant difference in ensuring that individuals and families can access the help they need, when and where they need it most. CentreStage is the perfect partner for this initiative, offering a warm and inclusive environment for everyone." CHAP’s outreach programme will provide East Ayrshire residents with free, expert assistance in key areas, including: Housing Advice : Help with tenancy matters, eviction prevention, and support for those at risk of homelessness. Welfare Rights : Guidance on benefit entitlements, eligibility checks, support with completing complex forms and representation at benefit tribunals. M oney Advice : Assistance with debt and money issues. Having operated in North Ayrshire for 25 years, CHAP is grateful for the support from the Garfield Weston Foundation and the opportunity to serve communities in East Ayrshire from such a well-loved venue. To access CHAP services, call Freephone 030 0002 0002 or use the LiveChat feature on our website.