Useful contacts
Last updated: 03/02/2026
OPFS money and debt advice service
OPFS’s money and debt advice service provides free, confidential advice for single parents anywhere in Scotland.
Our expert advisers will work with you every step of the way to understand your financial situation, explore all available options for managing your debt and provide support with putting your chosen solutions into action.
Get in touch todayGet advice
The rules regarding benefit entitlement and how benefits interact are complicated. If you or your children are awarded new style Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit, Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment or Carer Support Payment it may have an effect on other benefits you may be getting.
In most cases being awarded a disability benefit will entitle, or passport, you to extra support. In some cases you may find no change and in other cases you might find a reduction in what you receive.
For advice, call the Lone Parent Helpline on 0808 801 0323.
Local Council Welfare Rights Worker
All local authorities have a team who deal with benefit enquiries. Some will also deal with debt. Contact your local council for details.
Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB)
Offices throughout Scotland offering advice and support on many issues including welfare benefits.
Universal Credit Helpline
- Telephone: 0800 328 5644
- Textphone: 0800 328 1344 (Monday – Friday 8 am – 6 pm)
For information on Universal Credit, new style Jobseekers Allowance and new style Employment and Support Allowance.
Disability Living Allowance Helpline
- Telephone: 0800 121 4600 (Monday to Friday 9 am – 5 pm)
- Textphone: 0800 121 4523
Department for Work and Pensions (Personal Independence Payment Helpline)
- Telephone: 0800 121 4433 (Monday to Friday 9 am – 5 pm)
- Textphone: 0800 121 4493
Carers Trust Scotland
Telephone: 0300 772 7701
Social Security Scotland
Telephone: 0800 182 2222 (Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm)