North East Fife cost of living support information

For useful information, advice, help with benefits, energy bills and food go to our.fife.scot/gethelp

Unable to access information online? Call our Community Support Line 0800 952 0330 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)

To help with the rising cost of living there's a range of support in the local area.

Foodbanks and community cafés
Cafe Inc
Warm Spaces
Community Job Clubs

Foodbanks and community cafés

Below is a list of locations and organisations supporting the people of Fife by providing short term access to emergency food and support for people experiencing a crisis.

Auchtermuchty Foodbank
North East Fife Auchtermuchty Community Centre, 1 Distillery Street, Auchtermuchty KY14 7BY
Food Parcels

Referral required: No.
Opening hours: Drop in or contact via facebook during office hours: Monday and Wednesday 9.30am to 2.30pm Friday 11.30am to 2.30pm
Free
www.facebook.com/groups/auchtermuchtycommunitycentre
01337 827068
CiC Community Hub
North East Fife The Old Parish Centre, Short Lane, Cupar KY15 5EQ
Community Café
Free lunch for all served with selection of hot and cold beverages and sweet treats. Free English classes for those wishing to learn English as second language. Kids and Crafts club for our children and young people to come and join, crafts, one to one support services, food bank referrals. Care packages can be requested. Connection packs (Sim cards)
Referral required: No.
Opening hours: Saturdays from 12 noon to 3.00pm
Free
www.communityincupar.com
Help@CiC.Scot
07421 223369
CiC LGBTQ Hub
North East Fife The Old Parish Centre, Short Lane, Cupar KY15 5EQ
Community Café
Offers a safe space for those within the LGBTQ community. Free food provided at the hub. Connection packs (Sim cards). Care packs. One to one support services. Food bank referrals.
Referral required: No.
Opening hours: Last Saturday of the month from 5.00pm to 7.00pm
Free
www.communityincupar.com
Help@CiC.Scot
07942 369874
Colinsburgh Community Café & Food Hub
North East Fife Colinsburgh Town Hall, 2 Main Street, Colinsburgh KY9 1LN
Community Fridge/Larder/Pantry
We provide a community café in Colinsburgh Town Hall on Tuesdays from 10.30am to 12.00pm offerin food provision plus refreshments for a minimum donation of £2. We provide a food hub in Colinsburgh Town Hall on Fridays from 6.00pm to 6.30pm for minimum donation of £2. We provide a soup and blether session from Galloway Library on Fridays from 12.00pm to 2.30pm offering a choice of 2 soups, bread, cakes and drinks, plus limited food provisions for a pay as you feel.
Referral required: No.
Opening hours: Café and Surplus food: TOWN HALL on Tuesdays 10.30am to 12.00pm (min donation £2) Surplus food only: TOWN HALL on Fridays 6.00pm to 6.30pm (min donation £2) Soup and Blether: GALLOWAY LIBRARY on Fridays 12.00pm to 2.30pm (pay as you feel) Check on Facebook as times can vary week to week
Minimum donation of £2
www.facebook.com/groups/3672848862961844
Cupar Community Fridge
North East Fife County Buildings, St Catherine Street, Cupar, KY15 4TA
Community Fridge/Larder/Pantry
Food provision with refreshments available from 10.15am
Referral required: No.
Opening hours: Tuesdays 10.30am to 11.15am
Free
www.facebook.com/OurNEF
Cupar Food Bank
North East Fife 21 St Catherine Street, Cupar, KY15 4LS
Food Bank

Referral required: Yes.
Opening hours: Monday 11.00am to 3.00pm Wednesday 4.00pm to 6.00pm Friday 11.00am to 3.00pm and 5.00pm to 6.00pm
Free
cupar.foodbank.org.uk/ facebook.com/TheCuparFoodBank
info@cupar.foodbank.org.uk
07474 453 153
ENeRGI SCIO
North East Fife 32 East Street, St Monans KY10 2AT
Food Parcels
Provide food parcels - self referral
Referral required: No.
Opening hours: Tuesdays. Contact to arrange collection.
Free
www.energi.org.uk/
01333 730 477
East Neuk Eats! Community Fridge
North East Fife East Neuk Centre, Ladywalk, Anstruther, KY10 3EX
Community Fridge/Larder/Pantry
Fresh food in Fridge and Freezer
Referral required: No.
Opening hours: Café: Thursdays from 12.30pm to 2.00pm Community Fridge: Thursdays from 1.00pm to 3.00pm
Free or donation
facebook.com/eastneukcentre.trust
East Neuk Food Bank
North East Fife Anstruther Church, Burial Brae/School Green, Anstruther, KY10 3HF
Food Bank
We supply food to those experiencing food poverty in the East Neuk (no referrals necessary) and drop in for teas and coffees. Broadband, landline and IT support available along with signposting to other agencies.
Referral required: No.
Opening hours: Tuesdays 12.00pm to 4.00pm Thursdays 4.00pm to 6.00pm
Free
www.facebook.com/eastneukfoodbank/
eastneukfoodbank@gmail.com
01333 310 156
Leuchars Community Larder
North East Fife The Coach House, Main Street, Leuchars KY16 0HH
Community Fridge/Larder/Pantry
A wide variety of fresh and non-perishable foods available.
Referral required: No.
Opening hours: Fridays 12.00pm to 12.45pm
Free
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069376210172
Lumsden Larder
North East Fife Lumsden Hall, High Street, Freuchie, KY15 7EX
Community Fridge/Larder/Pantry
Tinned and dried food items, plus some personal and household items available.
Referral required: No.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8.00am to 4.00pm Open Saturday and Sunday but no set hours, check social media for updates. (self service)
Free
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559917317859&locale=en_GB
Newburgh Food Bank
North East Fife Tayside Institute Community Centre, 90-92 High Street, Newburgh, KY14 6DA
Food Bank
Providing access to a range of tinned and dried foods as well as some household and personal items.
Referral required: No. No referral required
Opening hours: Mondays 10.00am to 11.00pm
Please note: Now based inside the Centre, access via front door.
Free
www.facebook.com/taysideinstitute
01337 840 709
Social Café
North East Fife County Buildings, St Catherine Street, Cupar, KY15 4TA
Community Café
Free cuppa, snacks and activities open to all. We have a food delivery from Fareshare and food from the Co-op available every Friday for people to access
Referral required: No.
Opening hours: Fridays 10.00am to 12.00 noon
Free
St Andrews, Community Fridge @ North East Fife Community Hub
North East Fife St David’s Centre, St Andrews KY16 8BP
Community Fridge/Larder/Pantry
Located within the NEF Community Hub café, short shelf life, or surplus to requirements food is available for anyone to help themselves. This helps to reduce food waste.
Referral required: No.
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 10.00am to 3.00pm
Free
www.facebook.com/CommunityHubNEF
office@nefch.org
07792 941 783
St Monans Community Food Larder
North East Fife St Monans Town Hall, Hope Place, St Monans, KY10 2DH
Community Fridge/Larder/Pantry
Making surplus perishable and ambient food available to everyone in the community. Refreshments available - tea/coffee/hot chocolate.
Referral required: No.
Opening hours: Fridays 12.00pm to 2.00pm
£2 to access larder
Storehouse Food Bank
North East Fife St David's Centre, 23 Albany Park, St Andrews, KY16 8BP
Food Bank
We work with referral agencies to ensure clients are connected with other professional support services. Information on how to get a referral can be found on our website. We provide tinned and dried food donated by the local community. We also provide toiletries, domestic cleaning products and pet food. Please get in touch if you have any questions
Referral required: Yes.
Opening hours: Tuesdays 11.00am to 1.00pm Wednesdays 1.00pm to 2.30pm Thursdays 11.00am to 1.00pm
Free
www.storehousestandrews.com facebook.com/storehousestandrews
storehouse@kingdomvineyard.com
01334 845 985
Taybridgehead Food Bank
North East Fife Wormit Parish Church, 52 Riverside Road,Wormit DD6 8LL
Food Bank
We are not open to the public. Our parcels are made up in the Foodbank and then delivered to all clients homes – we have been doing this since the start of the Pandemic and think that we will continue to do so in the future.
Referral required: Yes. Self-referral service. Drop-in not available. Instead, parcels are made up in the Foodbank and then delivered to all clients homes.
Opening hours: All parcels are delivered on a Wednesday afternoon. Any request for an emergency parcel is dealt with immediately.
Free
facebook.com/Tfoodbank taybridgeheadfoodbank.org.uk
07840 957 039
Tayport Community Fridge
North East Fife Larick Centre, Shanwell Road, Tayport, DD6 9EA
Community Fridge/Larder/Pantry
Making surplus perishable food freely available to members of the public. Surplus food is provided by local businesses or members of the public and is then available for collection by people who need it.
Referral required: No.
Opening hours: Fridays 3.00pm to 4.00pm
Free or donation
www.facebook.com/tayportcommunityfridge/
01382 549727

Auchtermuchty Foodbank
North East Fife Auchtermuchty Community Centre, 1 Distillery Street, Auchtermuchty KY14 7BY
Food Parcels

Referral required: No.
Opening hours: Drop in or contact via facebook during office hours: Monday and Wednesday 9.30am to 2.30pm Friday 11.30am to 2.30pm
Free
www.facebook.com/groups/auchtermuchtycommunitycentre
01337 827068
CiC Community Hub
North East Fife The Old Parish Centre, Short Lane, Cupar KY15 5EQ
Community Café
Free lunch for all served with selection of hot and cold beverages and sweet treats. Free English classes for those wishing to learn English as second language. Kids and Crafts club for our children and young people to come and join, crafts, one to one support services, food bank referrals. Care packages can be requested. Connection packs (Sim cards)
Referral required: No.
Opening hours: Saturdays from 12 noon to 3.00pm
Free
www.communityincupar.com
Help@CiC.Scot
07421 223369
CiC LGBTQ Hub
North East Fife The Old Parish Centre, Short Lane, Cupar KY15 5EQ
Community Café
Offers a safe space for those within the LGBTQ community. Free food provided at the hub. Connection packs (Sim cards). Care packs. One to one support services. Food bank referrals.
Referral required: No.
Opening hours: Last Saturday of the month from 5.00pm to 7.00pm
Free
www.communityincupar.com
Help@CiC.Scot
07942 369874
Colinsburgh Community Café & Food Hub
North East Fife Colinsburgh Town Hall, 2 Main Street, Colinsburgh KY9 1LN
Community Fridge/Larder/Pantry
We provide a community café in Colinsburgh Town Hall on Tuesdays from 10.30am to 12.00pm offerin food provision plus refreshments for a minimum donation of £2. We provide a food hub in Colinsburgh Town Hall on Fridays from 6.00pm to 6.30pm for minimum donation of £2. We provide a soup and blether session from Galloway Library on Fridays from 12.00pm to 2.30pm offering a choice of 2 soups, bread, cakes and drinks, plus limited food provisions for a pay as you feel.
Referral required: No.
Opening hours: Café and Surplus food: TOWN HALL on Tuesdays 10.30am to 12.00pm (min donation £2) Surplus food only: TOWN HALL on Fridays 6.00pm to 6.30pm (min donation £2) Soup and Blether: GALLOWAY LIBRARY on Fridays 12.00pm to 2.30pm (pay as you feel) Check on Facebook as times can vary week to week
Minimum donation of £2
www.facebook.com/groups/3672848862961844
Cupar Community Fridge
North East Fife County Buildings, St Catherine Street, Cupar, KY15 4TA
Community Fridge/Larder/Pantry
Food provision with refreshments available from 10.15am
Referral required: No.
Opening hours: Tuesdays 10.30am to 11.15am
Free
www.facebook.com/OurNEF
Cupar Food Bank
North East Fife 21 St Catherine Street, Cupar, KY15 4LS
Food Bank

Referral required: Yes.
Opening hours: Monday 11.00am to 3.00pm Wednesday 4.00pm to 6.00pm Friday 11.00am to 3.00pm and 5.00pm to 6.00pm
Free
cupar.foodbank.org.uk/ facebook.com/TheCuparFoodBank
info@cupar.foodbank.org.uk
07474 453 153
ENeRGI SCIO
North East Fife 32 East Street, St Monans KY10 2AT
Food Parcels
Provide food parcels - self referral
Referral required: No.
Opening hours: Tuesdays. Contact to arrange collection.
Free
www.energi.org.uk/
01333 730 477
East Neuk Eats! Community Fridge
North East Fife East Neuk Centre, Ladywalk, Anstruther, KY10 3EX
Community Fridge/Larder/Pantry
Fresh food in Fridge and Freezer
Referral required: No.
Opening hours: Café: Thursdays from 12.30pm to 2.00pm Community Fridge: Thursdays from 1.00pm to 3.00pm
Free or donation
facebook.com/eastneukcentre.trust
East Neuk Food Bank
North East Fife Anstruther Church, Burial Brae/School Green, Anstruther, KY10 3HF
Food Bank
We supply food to those experiencing food poverty in the East Neuk (no referrals necessary) and drop in for teas and coffees. Broadband, landline and IT support available along with signposting to other agencies.
Referral required: No.
Opening hours: Tuesdays 12.00pm to 4.00pm Thursdays 4.00pm to 6.00pm
Free
www.facebook.com/eastneukfoodbank/
eastneukfoodbank@gmail.com
01333 310 156
Leuchars Community Larder
North East Fife The Coach House, Main Street, Leuchars KY16 0HH
Community Fridge/Larder/Pantry
A wide variety of fresh and non-perishable foods available.
Referral required: No.
Opening hours: Fridays 12.00pm to 12.45pm
Free
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069376210172
Lumsden Larder
North East Fife Lumsden Hall, High Street, Freuchie, KY15 7EX
Community Fridge/Larder/Pantry
Tinned and dried food items, plus some personal and household items available.
Referral required: No.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8.00am to 4.00pm Open Saturday and Sunday but no set hours, check social media for updates. (self service)
Free
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559917317859&locale=en_GB
Newburgh Food Bank
North East Fife Tayside Institute Community Centre, 90-92 High Street, Newburgh, KY14 6DA
Food Bank
Providing access to a range of tinned and dried foods as well as some household and personal items.
Referral required: No. No referral required
Opening hours: Mondays 10.00am to 11.00pm
Please note: Now based inside the Centre, access via front door.
Free
www.facebook.com/taysideinstitute
01337 840 709
Social Café
North East Fife County Buildings, St Catherine Street, Cupar, KY15 4TA
Community Café
Free cuppa, snacks and activities open to all. We have a food delivery from Fareshare and food from the Co-op available every Friday for people to access
Referral required: No.
Opening hours: Fridays 10.00am to 12.00 noon
Free
St Andrews, Community Fridge @ North East Fife Community Hub
North East Fife St David’s Centre, St Andrews KY16 8BP
Community Fridge/Larder/Pantry
Located within the NEF Community Hub café, short shelf life, or surplus to requirements food is available for anyone to help themselves. This helps to reduce food waste.
Referral required: No.
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 10.00am to 3.00pm
Free
www.facebook.com/CommunityHubNEF
office@nefch.org
07792 941 783
St Monans Community Food Larder
North East Fife St Monans Town Hall, Hope Place, St Monans, KY10 2DH
Community Fridge/Larder/Pantry
Making surplus perishable and ambient food available to everyone in the community. Refreshments available - tea/coffee/hot chocolate.
Referral required: No.
Opening hours: Fridays 12.00pm to 2.00pm
£2 to access larder
Storehouse Food Bank
North East Fife St David's Centre, 23 Albany Park, St Andrews, KY16 8BP
Food Bank
We work with referral agencies to ensure clients are connected with other professional support services. Information on how to get a referral can be found on our website. We provide tinned and dried food donated by the local community. We also provide toiletries, domestic cleaning products and pet food. Please get in touch if you have any questions
Referral required: Yes.
Opening hours: Tuesdays 11.00am to 1.00pm Wednesdays 1.00pm to 2.30pm Thursdays 11.00am to 1.00pm
Free
www.storehousestandrews.com facebook.com/storehousestandrews
storehouse@kingdomvineyard.com
01334 845 985
Taybridgehead Food Bank
North East Fife Wormit Parish Church, 52 Riverside Road,Wormit DD6 8LL
Food Bank
We are not open to the public. Our parcels are made up in the Foodbank and then delivered to all clients homes – we have been doing this since the start of the Pandemic and think that we will continue to do so in the future.
Referral required: Yes. Self-referral service. Drop-in not available. Instead, parcels are made up in the Foodbank and then delivered to all clients homes.
Opening hours: All parcels are delivered on a Wednesday afternoon. Any request for an emergency parcel is dealt with immediately.
Free
facebook.com/Tfoodbank taybridgeheadfoodbank.org.uk
07840 957 039
Tayport Community Fridge
North East Fife Larick Centre, Shanwell Road, Tayport, DD6 9EA
Community Fridge/Larder/Pantry
Making surplus perishable food freely available to members of the public. Surplus food is provided by local businesses or members of the public and is then available for collection by people who need it.
Referral required: No.
Opening hours: Fridays 3.00pm to 4.00pm
Free or donation
www.facebook.com/tayportcommunityfridge/
01382 549727

Community Job Clubs

Community job clubs provide a space where people can get access to a PC to undertake job searches, create and develop CVs and apply for jobs. Our staff will be able to offer advice on most aspects of searching and applying for work.

Location	Day	Time	Contact number
Tayside Institute Community Centre (TICC) Newburgh	Tuesday	9:30am to 11am	Cheryl 07749712212 Katrina 07515 291113
County Buildings Cupar	Tuesday and Friday	2pm to 4pm 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm	Cheryl 07749712212 Katrina 07515 291113
Town Hall Anstruther	Wednesday	10am to 12pm	Cheryl 07749712212 Katrina 07515 291113
Cosmos Centre St Andrews	Wednesday	2pm to 4pm	Cheryl 07749712212 Katrina 07515 291113
Wk 1- Leuchars - Leuchars Community Centre Wk 2- Tayport - Larick Centre	Thursday	2pm to 4pm	Cheryl 07749712212 Katrina 07515 291113

Discover local organisations in your area

www.onyourdoorstepfife.org

Useful support links

Unable to access information online? Call our Community Support Line 0800 952 0330 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)

Increase your income

Benefit Checker
Enter your details into the Benefit Calculator and you'll receive an estimate of your entitlements, even if you already receive some benefits.
https://fife.entitledto.co.uk/home/start

Benefits for carers
You may be eligible for carer related benefits if you, the person you care for and the type of care you provide meets certain criteria.
https://www.mygov.scot/carer-support-payment

Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods
How to apply for the School Age Payment, Early Learning Payment, Pregnancy and Baby Payment and a prepaid card to buy healthy food.
https://www.mygov.scot/browse/benefits/best-start

Debt advice
Advice you need to make the right choices, including help to deal with your debt problems and get your finances back in shape
https://fifecab.cas.org.uk/get-advice/our-services/debt-and-money

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
A weekly payment of £30 for young people (16-25) from low income families who are continuing in higher or further education
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/education2/schools-in-fife/funding/educational-maintenance-allowance

Fife Budgeting Tool
Use our free budgeting tool to quickly and easily create your own personal budget plan
https://budgetnew.entitledto.co.uk/FifeAC/start

Free School Meals and School Clothing Grants
We can provide free school meals and a school clothing grant if you are on a low income.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/education2/schools-in-fife/free-school-meals-and-clothing-grants

Help with your Council Tax and rent
Discover a range of reductions, exemptions and discounts you might be entitled to
https://our.fife.scot/gethelp/topics/income/help-with-your-council-tax-and-rent

Housing Benefit, Discretionary Housing Payment and Benefit Cap
Criteria and how to apply for help with housing costs if you are a tenant.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/housing/housing-benefit

Lightning Reach
The Lightning Reach portal allows you to find and apply for support from multiple providers, quickly and easily from the charitable sector.
https://www.lightningreach.org/application-portal?referral=fifegethelp

Pension Credit
You could get extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income: even if you have savings or own your own home.
https://our.fife.scot/gethelp/topics/income/pension-credit

Scottish Child Payment
Scottish Child Payment helps towards the costs of supporting your family.
https://www.mygov.scot/scottish-child-payment

Support with mortgage payments
Help is available to some homeowners through the Government's Support for Mortgage Interest scheme
https://www.gov.uk/support-for-mortgage-interest

Tax free childcare
If you use childcare, paying your approved provider via the Tax Free Childcare scheme can save you money.
https://our.fife.scot/gethelp/topics/family/tax-free-childcare

Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs. You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income, out of work or you cannot work.
https://www.cas.org.uk/helptoclaim

Welfare support sessions
In person support with benefit checks and crisis grant applications
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/benefits-and-money-advice/face-to-face-support

Young Carer Grant
Young Carer Grant is a yearly payment of £405.10 for young carers in Scotland aged 16, 17 or 18 years old.
https://www.mygov.scot/young-carer-grant

Support with food

Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods
How to apply for the School Age Payment, Early Learning Payment, Pregnancy and Baby Payment and a prepaid card to buy healthy food.
https://www.mygov.scot/browse/benefits/best-start

Café Inc
Cafe Inc is a free lunch club for children and young people during the school holidays.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/benefits-and-money-advice/cafe-inc

Foodbanks and Community Food Provision
Help is available to provide access to emergency food and support and for people experiencing hardship.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/benefits-and-money-advice/accessing-food

Free School Meals and School Clothing Grants
We can provide free school meals and a school clothing grant if you are on a low income.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/education2/schools-in-fife/free-school-meals-and-clothing-grants

Support for your home

Furnishing your home
You may qualify for help with buying carpets and white goods for your home
https://our.fife.scot/gethelp/topics/home/help-with-furnishing-your-home

Heating your home
Whatever your housing situation, we have routes to help with the rising costs of fuel
https://our.fife.scot/gethelp/topics/income/do-you-need-help-to-heat-your-home

Help with your Council Tax and rent
Check if you are eligible for benefits, discounts or exemptions
https://our.fife.scot/gethelp/topics/income/help-with-your-council-tax-and-rent

Homelessness and Prevention
We're committed to helping anyone who finds themselves without a home, for any reason. If you find yourself in this situation, please talk to us.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/housing/homelessness-and-prevention

Housing Benefit, Discretionary Housing Payment and Benefit Cap
Criteria and how to apply for help with housing costs if you are a tenant.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/housing/housing-benefit

Short term housing support
Help is available to support you with the routines and responsibilities of maintaining your tenancy
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/housing/council-housing/short-term-housing-support

Support with mortgage payments
Help is available to some homeowners through the Government's Support for Mortgage Interest scheme
https://www.gov.uk/support-for-mortgage-interest

Ways to reduce energy usage
Making your home as energy efficient as possible will reduce the amount of energy that you need to keep your home warm.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/benefits-and-money-advice/heating-advice/reducing-energy-use

Support with heating and utility costs

Cosy Kingdom
Cosy Kingdom is a free and impartial energy and debt advice service available to all tenants and homeowners across Fife.
https://www.cosykingdom.org.uk/

Discounts for fuel bills
A range of fuel support payments that could help with the cost of heating your home.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/benefits-and-money-advice/heating-advice/discounts-for-fuel-bills

Fuel advice
When it comes to energy and heating your home, there's endless advice and information available which can be overwhelming. Here you will find the most common issues and advice.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/benefits-and-money-advice/heating-advice

Fuel support for Council Tenants
Support for Fife Council tenants who are finding themselves in debt and struggling to pay fuel bills
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/housing/council-housing/tenancy-advice/heating-advice-for-tenants

Help with your TV Licence
Find out more about the Simple Payment Plan for those struggling to pay their TV Licence.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/benefits-and-money-advice/help-with-your-tv-licence

Priority Services Register
The Priority Services Register is a free support service that makes sure extra help is available to people in vulnerable situations.
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/energy-advice-households/join-your-suppliers-priority-services-register

Social Tariffs: Cheaper broadband and phone packages
Social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. Some providers call them ‘essential’ or ‘basic’ broadband.
https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/costs-and-billing/social-tariffs

Ways to reduce energy usage
Making your home as energy efficient as possible will reduce the amount of energy that you need to keep your home warm.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/benefits-and-money-advice/heating-advice/reducing-energy-use

Support with your Council Tax and Rent

Council Tax Discounts and Exemptions
Discounts can apply for single people, students, carers, apprentices, school leavers, care leavers and hospitalised, disabled or severely mentally impaired people.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/housing/council-tax/council-tax-discounts-and-exemptions

Council Tax Reduction
Council Tax Reduction is a means tested entitlement available to people who are responsible for paying council tax.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/housing/council-tax/reduction

Discretionary Housing Payment
A Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) is a short term payment awarded to people who need help paying their rent.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/housing/housing-benefit/discretionary-housing-payment

Support with rent
If you’re struggling to pay your rent, please get in touch. We will discuss the situation and explain all the options available to you.
https://our.fife.scot/gethelp/topics/housing/support-with-your-rent

Support for your family

Benefits for carers
You may be eligible for carer related benefits if you, the person you care for and the type of care you provide meets certain criteria.
https://www.mygov.scot/carer-support-payment

Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods
How to apply for the School Age Payment, Early Learning Payment, Pregnancy and Baby Payment and a prepaid card to buy healthy food.
https://www.mygov.scot/browse/benefits/best-start

Café Inc
Cafe Inc is a free lunch club for children and young people during the school holidays.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/benefits-and-money-advice/cafe-inc

Debt advice
Advice you need to make the right choices, including help to deal with your debt problems and get your finances back in shape
https://fifecab.cas.org.uk/get-advice/our-services/debt-and-money

Free School Meals and School Clothing Grants
We can provide free school meals and a school clothing grant if you are on a low income.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/education2/schools-in-fife/free-school-meals-and-clothing-grants

Kinship care
If you look after a child in your extended family who is not your birth child, then you may be a kinship carer and eligible for financial support
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/health-and-social-care2/fostering,-adoption-and-kinship-care/kinship-care

MyFife National Entitlement Card (NEC)
Apply for, renew or replace your MyFife card. Your MyFife card makes it easy to access a range of public services and facilities with only one card.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/roads,-travel-and-parking/national-entitlement-card

Scottish Child Payment
Scottish Child Payment helps towards the costs of supporting your family.
https://www.mygov.scot/scottish-child-payment

Scottish Welfare Fund
Support to help vulnerable people set up home, or continue to live independently within their community.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/benefits-and-money-advice/scottish-welfare-fund

Support for young people
Explore a range of support available to the younger members of your family, aged between 12 and 25 years old
https://our.fife.scot/gethelp/topics/support-for-young-people

Support with mortgage payments
Help is available to some homeowners through the Government's Support for Mortgage Interest scheme
https://www.gov.uk/support-for-mortgage-interest

Tax free childcare
If you use childcare, paying your approved provider via the Tax Free Childcare scheme can save you money.
https://our.fife.scot/gethelp/topics/family/tax-free-childcare

Welfare support sessions
In person support with benefit checks and crisis grant applications
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/benefits-and-money-advice/face-to-face-support

Support with transport costs

Cheaper rail travel
Ways to save money on rail travel.
https://www.scotrail.co.uk/tickets/railcards

Community transport
Fife Council can give advice and information about community transport schemes throughout Fife, including advice on who to contact for help in arranging transport for people with reduced mobility.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/roads,-travel-and-parking/community-transport

MyFife National Entitlement Card (NEC)
Apply for, renew or replace your MyFife card. Your MyFife card makes it easy to access a range of public services and facilities with only one card.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/roads,-travel-and-parking/national-entitlement-card

MyFife travel benefits
There are a range of travel benefits throughout Fife using your MyFife card.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/roads,-travel-and-parking/national-entitlement-card/myfife-travel-benefits

School Transport
Check your entitlement to transport to your catchment school.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/education2/schools-in-fife/school-transport

Travel costs to and from a hospital or clinic
You can get the costs of essential travel to and from NHS treatment paid is certain circumstances.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/health/help-with-health-costs/help-with-costs/#h-travel-costs-to-and-from-the-hospital-or-clinic

Young Person’s Free Bus Travel
Free bus travel throughout Scotland for young people aged 5-21
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/roads,-travel-and-parking/national-entitlement-card/young-persons-free-bus-travel

Supporting your health

Fifestyle Concession and Access Card
Fifestyle is our Concession Card Scheme, offering families and individuals discounts to various Fife Council services.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/benefits-and-money-advice/fifestyle-concession-and-access-card

Help with health costs
Most NHS treatment is free, including all prescriptions, but there are some things you might be charged for.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/health/help-with-health-costs/help-with-costs/

Local Health Services
Find your nearest GP, dentist, pharmacy or optician using Scotland's services directory from NHS Inform.
https://www.nhsfife.org/services/find-your-nearest/

Period Products
We currently provide online access to free sanitary products. This includes reusable products.
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/benefits-and-money-advice/period-poverty

Quit Your Way - Fife Stop Smoking Service
Want to stop smoking but don't know where to start - help is at hand!
https://our.fife.scot/gethelp/topics/health/quit-your-way-fife-stop-smoking-service

Sexual Health
Information, advice and services relating to your sexual health and wellbeing inc. free condoms
https://www.nhsfife.org/services/all-services/sexual-health/

Support for substance use
Find advice and support if you are impacted by your own or someone else's substance usage
https://www.fifehealthandsocialcare.org/services/?filtered=true&serviceCategory=40127

Support with your mental health
Find an organisation or service that can support you with your mental health.
https://www.fifehealthandsocialcare.org/services/?filtered=true&serviceCategory=40176

Support for businesses

Business Gateway Fife
Business Gateway Fife may be able to provide you with support through their Net Zero Transition Fund.
https://www.businessgatewayfife.com/

Climate Friendly Businesses
Support to help identify cost savings and environmental improvement opportunities for your business
https://climateactionfife.org.uk/business/

Non-domestic rates
Find information about non-domestic business rates
https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/business2/business-rates

Reduce the cost of running your business
FindBusinessSupport.gov.scot has links to funding, general advice on running your business, and other support tailored to your needs.
https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/cost-of-doing-business

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North East Fife cost of living support information

Foodbanks and community cafés

Auchtermuchty Foodbank

CiC Community Hub

CiC LGBTQ Hub

Colinsburgh Community Café & Food Hub

Cupar Community Fridge

Cupar Food Bank

ENeRGI SCIO

East Neuk Eats! Community Fridge

East Neuk Food Bank

Leuchars Community Larder

Lumsden Larder

Newburgh Food Bank

Social Café

St Andrews, Community Fridge @ North East Fife Community Hub

St Monans Community Food Larder

Storehouse Food Bank

Taybridgehead Food Bank

Tayport Community Fridge

Auchtermuchty Foodbank

CiC Community Hub

CiC LGBTQ Hub

Colinsburgh Community Café & Food Hub

Cupar Community Fridge

Cupar Food Bank

ENeRGI SCIO

East Neuk Eats! Community Fridge

East Neuk Food Bank

Leuchars Community Larder

Lumsden Larder

Newburgh Food Bank

Social Café

St Andrews, Community Fridge @ North East Fife Community Hub

St Monans Community Food Larder

Storehouse Food Bank

Taybridgehead Food Bank

Tayport Community Fridge

Community Job Clubs

Discover local organisations in your area

Useful support links

Increase your income

Benefit Checker

Benefits for carers

Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods

Debt advice

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

Fife Budgeting Tool

Free School Meals and School Clothing Grants

Help with your Council Tax and rent

Housing Benefit, Discretionary Housing Payment and Benefit Cap

Lightning Reach

Pension Credit

Scottish Child Payment

Support with mortgage payments

Tax free childcare

Universal Credit

Welfare support sessions

Young Carer Grant

Support with food

Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods

Café Inc

Foodbanks and Community Food Provision

Free School Meals and School Clothing Grants

Support for your home

Furnishing your home

Heating your home

Help with your Council Tax and rent

Homelessness and Prevention

Housing Benefit, Discretionary Housing Payment and Benefit Cap

Short term housing support

Support with mortgage payments

Ways to reduce energy usage

Support with heating and utility costs

Cosy Kingdom