People across Scotland who receive certain Social Security Scotland payments will see their payments increase from April 2026 as part of the Scottish Government’s annual up-rating process. The new rates reflect inflation and are intended to help people keep up with rising living costs. The key message for anyone already receiving these payments is simple: you do not need to do anything. If you already get an eligible payment, the increase should be applied automatically. For many households, any increase will be welcome. But with the cost of essentials still placing pressure on budgets, it is more important than ever that people know what support is available and make sure they are receiving everything they are entitled to. Which payments are increasing? Below is a summary of some of the key updated payment rates from April 2026. Adult Disability Payment Adult Disability Payment helps with the extra costs of living with a disability or long-term health condition for people of working age in Scotland. It includes a daily living component and a mobility component. New Adult Disability Payment rates for 2026/27: Daily Living Component - Enhanced Rate: £114.60 per week Daily Living Component - Standard Rate: £76.70 per week Mobility Component - Enhanced Rate: £80.00 per week Mobility Component - Standard Rate: £30.30 per week Transitional Rate - £30.30 per week Carer Support Carer Support is available for people who provide regular and substantial care to someone receiving a qualifying disability benefit. In Scotland, this support is replacing Carer’s Allowance and includes different components depending on individual circumstances. New Carer Support rates for 2026/27: Carer Support Payment component: £86.45 per week Carer Additional Person Payment component: £10.40 per week Scottish Carer Supplement component: £11.70 per week The earnings limit for Carer Support will also increase to £204 per week. This is especially important for unpaid carers who are trying to balance caring responsibilities with part-time work or other commitments. Child Disability Payment Child Disability Payment helps with the extra costs of caring for a disabled child or young person in Scotland. It can include both a care component and a mobility component, depending on the child’s needs. New Child Disability Payment rates for 2026/27: Care Component - Highest Rate: £114.60 per week Care Component - Middle Rate: £76.70 per week Care Component - Lowest Rate: £30.30 per week Mobility Component - Higher Rate: £80.00 per week Mobility Component -Lower Rate: £30.30 per week The related Child Winter Heating Payment will also increase to £265.50. Pension Age Disability Payment Pension Age Disability Payment is for older people in Scotland who have a disability or long-term health condition and need help with personal care or supervision to stay safe. It has replaced Attendance Allowance in Scotland. New Pension Age Disability Payment rates for 2026/27: Higher Rate: £114.60 per week Lower Rate: £76.70 per week For people who are being transferred from Attendance Allowance, Social Security Scotland has also made clear that this process is automatic, with no need to reapply. These increases should be made automatically from April 2026 for all eligible existing claimants. Reminder: existing claimants do not need to contact Social Security Scotland or make a new application as the new rates will be applied automatically. For full details of the updated rates and wider financial support available, please visit the Scottish Government website . Rising support matters - but many households are still under pressure While any increase in support is important, we know that many households are still facing serious financial pressure. Across Scotland and the wider UK, too many people are already trying to manage on budgets that have been stretched beyond what feels sustainable. Partly due to world events, we're all experiencing rising costs for essentials such as energy, rent, fuel, food and household bills. This accumulation of financial pressures can leave many people in a very difficult position. We agree with the wider message being shared by many advice organisations across the country: more support is still needed for households at crisis point. In particular, there is a strong case for: better targeted help for people struggling most with energy bills more action to address rising rent and housing costs faster support for people trapped in debt or financial hardship These are not just policy issues - they affect real people, real families and real communities every day. CHAP is here to help At CHAP, we know that even when support is available, it's not always easy to know what you might be entitled to, how to apply, or what to do when money is tight. If you're struggling financially, our fully accredited team of advisers may be able to help. We can: carry out benefit eligibility checks help make sure you are claiming everything you are entitled to provide support with money worries, debt, housing issues and wider financial pressures If you are worried about your finances, you don't have to deal with it alone. Reach out to us on Freephone 030 0002 0002 to arrange an appointment.

We know that attending an appointment at our main office in Ardrossan isn’t always convenient or practical for everyone. To help make our services accessible as possible, CHAP offers regular outreach appointments at a number of locations across Ayrshire. This allows us to meet people closer to where they live and ensure that help and advice is available within their local communities. Below you’ll find a list of our current outreach locations and the days our advisers are available. Please note that all appointments must be booked in advance as we're unable to offer a drop-in service. To arrange an appointment, please call Freephone 030 0002 0002 . North Ayrshire Dalry Dalry Library 14 The Cross, Dalry KA24 5AW Available on Tuesdays only Dreghorn Dreghorn Library 21 Main Street, Dreghorn KA11 4AQ Available on Mondays only Irvine Fullarton Community Hub 1 School Lane, Irvine KA12 8DF Available on Wednesdays only Kilbirnie The George Steven Community Hub Craigton Road, Kilbirnie KA25 6LJ Available on Thursdays only Kilwinning Cranberry Moss Community Centre Cambusdoon Place, Kilwinning KA13 6SL Available on Mondays only Stevenston CEIS, Stevenston Library, 1 Main Street KA20 3AB Available on Wednesdays & Thursdays only East Ayrshire Cumnock Yipworld 39 Barrhill Road, Cumnock KA18 1PG Available on the 3rd Wednesday of each month only Dalmellington The Zone Initiative 10 High Main Street, Dalmellington KA6 7QN Available on the 1st Wednesday of each month only Kilmarnock CentreStage Neighbourhood 15 Elmbank Drive, Kilmarnock KA1 3AE Available on Tuesdays & Thursdays only Newmilns Commando Factory Gym 14 Stoneygate Road, Newmilns KA16 9AL Available on the 4th Wednesday of each month only Stewarton Stewarton Community Hub 4 Rigg Street, KA3 5LE Available on the 2nd Wednesday of each month only South Ayrshire Ayr (Council Tax debt advice only) Ayr Housing Aid Centre 7 York Street KA8 8AN Available on Wednesdays only (excluding the last week of the month)

Households across Ayrshire are facing yet another rise in council tax this year as local authorities set their budgets for 2026/27. Recent announcements show that: North Ayrshire Council has confirmed an 8.5% rise after reducing an originally proposed 12% increase. East Ayrshire Council has agreed on 6.9% - the lowest increase among the Ayrshire councils so far. South Ayrshire Council meets on Thursday, March 5 to finalise its 2026/27 budget. These rises reflect the tough financial pressures councils are under to maintain services like bin collections, care, roads and schools - but for many families and individuals they’re yet another squeeze on already tight household budgets. Could You Reduce Your Council Tax Bill? A higher bill doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have to pay the full amount. In Scotland, there are a range of reductions, discounts, and exemptions that can significantly reduce what you owe - or in some cases mean you don’t need to pay at all: 1. Council Tax Reduction (CTR) for Low Income Households If you’re on a low income or receive certain benefits, you could get help under your council’s Council Tax Reduction scheme. The amount you get depends on your income, savings and circumstances - but many households receive substantial support. 2. Single Occupancy Discount If you’re the only adult (18 or over) living in your home, you’re usually entitled to a 25% discount on your council tax bill. 3. Exemptions and Other Discounts There are numerous other ways to pay less, including: Students or student households, who may be exempt altogether. People with a disability, through a disabled band reduction. Care leavers, carers, under-18s, and those with severely mentally impaired status. Empty or second homes, which may qualify for special discounts or different charges. The rules around these vary a bit from council to council, and you usually need to claim these discounts as they aren’t always applied automatically. How CHAP Can Help It’s easy to miss out on help you’re entitled to, especially when rules can be confusing and councils often have differing eligibility criteria. To help you, our advisers can: Check whether you are eligible for any reductions, discounts, or exemptions. Assist with filling in application forms correctly. Advise you on how to appeal if your local council turns you down. Help with a debt repayment plan if you have council tax arrears. Get in touch with CHAP to arrange an appointment with one of our qualified advisers to check your eligibility and talk you through options that might apply to your circumstances. Call Freephone 030 0002 0002 Whether you’re on a low income, living alone, a student, a carer or just unsure about your council tax bill, please get in touch. We’re here to help, and all our services are free, independent and confidential.

Gambling is often talked about in financial terms - wins, losses, debt, and bills. But for many people, the impact of gambling goes far beyond money. Across Ayrshire, individuals and families can experience gambling-related harm that affects their mental wellbeing, relationships, and sense of stability. Financial pressure is frequently only one part of a much wider picture. Gambling harm can be linked with: Growing debt and difficulty keeping up with bills Rent arrears or concerns about housing security Stress, anxiety, and low mood Sleep disruption and day-to-day functioning Strain on family and personal relationships In some cases, thoughts of self-harm or suicide For some, these pressures can become overwhelming. Feelings of shame, secrecy, or being 'trapped' often prevent people from speaking openly or seeking support early. Importantly, gambling harm does not have a single 'type' of person. It can affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances. Why We’re Exploring Gambling Harm in Ayrshire As part of a short-term exploratory project, CHAP is working to better understand how gambling harm is experienced within Ayrshire communities - particularly where financial stress, housing insecurity, and mental health challenges overlap. While national research highlights strong links between gambling difficulties, debt, and emotional distress, local insights are limited. Hearing directly from people with lived experience (including the impact on mental health and thoughts of suicide) is essential if services are to respond effectively and compassionately. Do Any of These Feel Familiar? Gambling-related harm can develop gradually and may not always be immediately obvious. Some common experiences include: Gambling more frequently or spending more than intended Trying to recover losses by continuing to gamble Hiding gambling from family or friends Borrowing money or relying on credit Feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or preoccupied with money Feeling stuck, hopeless, or under significant pressure Experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide These experiences are more common than many people realise, but support is available. Share Your Experience Anonymously To help us build a clearer picture of local needs, we’re inviting people across Ayrshire who have been affected by gambling to complete a short, anonymous questionnaire. The survey is designed to: Better understand how gambling harm is impacting people locally Identify gaps in support and barriers to seeking help Inform future services and prevention work Participation only takes a couple of minutes and is completely anonymous. You can take part by clicking here . Support Is Available If gambling is affecting your finances, housing, or wellbeing - including causing distress or thoughts of self-harm - you can speak to CHAP for free, confidential, and non-judgemental advice. We can help with issues such as: Debt and financial difficulties Rent arrears and housing concerns Benefit checks and income maximisation Budgeting and financial stability 📞 Call Freephone 030 0002 0002 Specialist gambling support is also available via the GamCare National Gambling Helpline: 📞 0808 8020 133 (24/7) 🌐 www.gamcare.org.uk If You’re Feeling Overwhelmed If gambling, debt, or related pressures are affecting your mental health, you are not alone. If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, immediate support is available: Samaritans - 116 123 (24/7) NHS 24 - 111 Mental Health Hub In an emergency, call 999 Gambling harm can affect anyone. Reaching out early can prevent issues from escalating and is a sign of strength, not failure.