Latest news with #AdviceDirectScotland
Daily Record
a day ago
- General
- Daily Record
Families urged to check school meal support before start of summer holidays
Households with two children could be entitled to between £150 and £288 over the school holidays this summer. How to apply for Tax-Free Childcare and 30 hours childcare Families across Scotland are being urged to check their eligibility for free school meal support ahead of the summer holidays. Local authorities support eligible families to access food during school holiday periods, including food vouchers and direct payments to families. The Scottish Government provides local councils with a total of £21.75 million annually to fund this provision. Households normally eligible for free school meals during term time should automatically start receiving payments of £2.50 or £4.80 per day, per child, during the holidays, depending on the child's age and where they live. While exact holiday dates vary by council, national advice agency Advice Direct Scotland calculated that a household with two children could be entitled to between £150 and £288 to help cover meal costs over the course of the six-week summer break. Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: 'Schools breaking up for summer provides families with opportunities to rest, enjoy quality time together and prepare for the academic year ahead, but we know the holiday periods can also be a time of increased financial pressure for families. 'Scotland is currently the only part of the UK with holiday free school meal provision, which is an important strand of our work towards eradicating child poverty. The Scottish Government provides more than £21 million annually to support local councils to continue free meal provision for those families that need it most. 'As we approach the summer break, I urge anyone who may have become newly eligible to check their eligibility status with their local authority and apply as soon as possible.' Parents who have not yet applied for free school meals, or who might start claiming benefits over the holidays due to a change in circumstances, are being urged to take action now. All children in P1 to P5 at schools run by local councils currently receive free school lunches during term time, regardless of their family circumstances. Children in P6 and above continue to qualify only if they come from low-income households. Over the summer and other holidays, support is available to those who normally receive free school meals. Payments are set at £2.50 per day, per child, for each weekday during the holidays, excluding weekends. However, some councils, such as Midlothian, offer higher rates of £4.20 per primary school pupil and £4.80 per secondary school pupil. This means summer payments will be around £75, £126, or £144 per child, depending on the rate and school stage. Rebecca Fagan, benefit and welfare information officer at Advice Direct Scotland, said: 'With the summer holidays approaching fast, it's crucial that families know about the support available to help provide healthy meals for their children. Many Scots are facing financial difficulties due to the cost-of-living and energy crises and will be worried about holiday-related expenses on top of rising bills. 'For families with children eligible for free school meals, payments are available throughout the summer, so we encourage anyone who might benefit to apply now. Remember, once your application is approved, payments will start promptly and will also be available during other school holidays. 'If you're unsure about your eligibility or need help applying, our team at offers free, confidential support to everyone, regardless of personal circumstances.' How to qualify for free school meals To qualify, people must be in receipt of one of the following benefits: Universal Credit (where monthly earned income is not more than £850) Income Support Income-based Job Seeker's Allowance Income-based Employment and Support Allowance Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 People who are not currently eligible but start receiving one of the above benefits during the summer holidays can apply for the extra support immediately. Applications can be made through councils or online at Those unable to fill out the application can contact the team at for help, over the phone or online. The form takes around 20 minutes to complete. Applicants will need the dates of birth of any children they have, their partner's details if applicable, and their bank details. provides free, practical advice and information on any topic, including access to benefits and whether households are claiming all the support they are entitled to. The team can be contacted on 0808 800 9060, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm.
Daily Record
a day ago
- Daily Record
Autistic schoolboy hooked on trendy snus after being forced to buy vapes for other kids
A mum, from Wishaw, spoke out as a leading advice charity warned of a worrying surge in reports of young people experimenting with nicotine pouches - widely used by sports stars and celebrities. A mum has told how her 13-year-old autistic son got hooked on trendy 'snus' after being forced to buy nicotine products for other teenagers. The healthcare worker, from Wishaw, spoke out as a leading advice charity warned of a worrying surge in reports of young people experimenting with the nicotine pouches - widely used by sports stars and celebrities. The 'devastated' mum said her son had been 'coerced' by other youngsters, some who carry knives, to buy vapes - even though he is clearly underage. Now he has been caught stealing to fund his own habit for vapes and white tobacco pouches, which users place between their upper lip and gum. The 41-year-old, who has turned to Advice Direct Scotland for support, said: 'It's like living with an addict now because that's what these things are - addictive. 'His personality has changed. He used to be quite calm but now he goes into a meltdown if he can't get a vape or snus. 'I'm absolutely devastated. My son is only 13. He's autistic and vulnerable and yet he's been coerced and manipulated by older kids who should know better. 'Some of these kids carry knives. They saw his kindness, his eagerness to fit in, and they exploited it. They coerced him into buying vapes for other underage kids, knowing full well he wouldn't say no. My son looks 13 so there is no doubt that he's underage and he's going in there with his uniform on. 'It is terrifying. He stole £170 from us and that is so out of character. It is unbelievably stressful and yet nothing is being done.' Earlier this month, new data emerged suggesting that young people under the age of 18 are now more aware of nicotine pouches. Sports stars like ex-Celtic boss Neil Lennon and ex-England forward Jamie Vardy have been known to use snus, along with former boxer Mike Tyson and late superstar DJ Avicii. A survey commissioned by charity Action on Smoking and Health (Ash), found the percentage of 11-17 year olds who said they knew of the pouches grew from 38% in 2024 to 43% this year. Nearly 4% of children in this age group had tried the pouches, equivalent to 210,000 young people. Hazel Knowles, consumer lead at Advice Direct Scotland, said: 'We have noted increased concerns from people about the rising use of nicotine pouches among young people. 'There are fears that marketing strategies that include sweet flavours, trendy packaging and social media promotion are seen as targeting youth and non-smokers. 'Many young users are unaware that nicotine pouches contain addictive substances. 'Open, non-judgmental conversations and access to educational resources are key to prevention. 'People can reach out to us if they have any issues about the sale of these pouches to youngsters or any other consumer issues relating to this growing phenomenon.' Concerns over snus were raised after the charity logged more than 100 reports of kids - many still in their school uniforms - being sold vapes in the last year. It says enforcement is failing to stop rogue traders from selling vapes to children - some as young as 11 years old. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. From June 1, it became illegal to buy or sell disposable vapes. Only devices considered to be reusable are legal. Knowles added: 'We have noticed the growing prevalence of underage vape sales - a trend that threatens the health and wellbeing of children. Vaping products are finding their way into the hands of children with disturbing ease. 'Every sale to a child is a breach of trust, a moment where profit is placed above protection. We urge anyone with any concerns to contact us so that we can work to counteract this worrying trend.' For free advice, go to or call 0808 164 6000.
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Pensioners with long-term health issues urged to claim new devolved benefit
Claims for Attendance Allowance have now been replaced by Pension Age Disability Payment in Scotland. Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible? Pensioners in Scotland are being urged to contact a charity for help claiming a new disability benefit only available to people over 66 living north of the border. Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) is administered and delivered by Social Security Scotland and replaces new claims for Attendance Allowance. Existing Attendance Allowance claimants will continue to receive payments of up to £441.60 every four-week payment period from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) until their award transfers to the devolved IT system before the end of this year. National advice agency Advice Direct Scotland said households should not be concerned by the switch from Attendance Allowance to PADP as there will be no break in payments - worth either £75.90 or £110.40 each week. However, any changes in circumstances should continue to be reported to DWP until the migration has been completed. The charity, which handles more than 900,000 inquiries a year, can help people of State Pension age with a disability, long-term illness or health condition, make a new claim for PADP or answer queries on the move from Attendance Allowance. Rebecca Fagan, benefit and welfare information officer at Advice Direct Scotland, said: 'This is essentially a rebranding of an existing benefit, in this case, Attendance Allowance. While the name and handling are changing, the support remains the same. 'We understand that these changes can cause concern for some people who fear they may lose out. It's crucial that older people who are disabled, terminally ill, or have care needs continue to receive the financial support necessary to maintain their well-being, safety, and dignity. 'The Pension Age Disability Payment will be a vital source of assistance for those with long-term health conditions. With the rising cost of living and increasing bills, it's more important than ever that older people access all available financial aid. 'If you're uncertain about your eligibility or need help with an application, our team at is here to offer free, confidential support.' The Pension Age Disability Payment is available to people of State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision to stay safe. It is also available to pensioners who are terminally ill. It is the 15th benefit now managed by the Scottish Government through Social Security Scotland. Scots can check their eligibility and apply for the Pension Age Disability Payment on the website here. The team can be reached at 0808 800 9060, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, or through their website at Advice Direct Scotland also provides an online benefits calculator to help people assess their entitlement to both devolved and reserved benefits. You can check for unclaimed benefits or discounts here. Support making a claim from an independent advocate Help is also available from the independent advocacy service VoiceAbility, which is funded by the Scottish Government, to help disabled people applying for devolved benefits. It provides a free, nationwide advocacy service supporting disabled people to access Social Security Scotland benefits. If you need an advocate, you should: contact Social Security Scotland for free on 0800 182 2222 ask them to refer you to the Independent Advocacy Service Full contact details can be found here.
Glasgow Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow parents could get £82.50 for kids meals over summer
Advice Direct Scotland said households may be eligible to receive extra payments over the upcoming school holidays to cover the cost of their children's meals. The charity said those who have not yet applied, should do so before the beginning of the school holidays later this month. READ NEXT: Green councillor making pitch for Glasgow seat at Holyrood next year For children in Glasgow, the city council has announced that the total payment for each eligible child over the summer holidays is £82.50. As of 9 June, the council has also opened applications for further families who don't currently receive this support. Households who are normally eligible for free school meals during term time should automatically start receiving payments during the holidays. Alongside this financial support, the council also announced the £2 million Glasgow Holiday Programme initiative in April. The programme aims to give funding to organisations that provide activities and nutritious food to children up to 18 years old, with the majority of this funding being allocated towards food costs. Rebecca Fagan, benefit and welfare information officer at Advice Direct Scotland, said: 'Many Scots are facing financial difficulties due to the cost-of-living and energy crises and will be worried about holiday-related expenses on top of rising bills.' 'With the summer holidays approaching fast, it's crucial that families know about the support available to help provide healthy meals for their children.' To be entitled, a household must be receiving one of the following benefits: Universal Credit (where monthly earned income is not more than £850) Income Support Income-based Job Seeker's Allowance Income-based Employment and Support Allowance Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. Depending upon income, some families who receive Child Tax Credit may also be eligible. Applications can be made through councils or online at Those unable to fill out the application can contact the team at for help, over the phone or online.
Daily Record
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Parents urged to check school meal support ahead of summer holidays
Households with two children could be entitled to between £150 and £288 over the school holidays this summer. How to apply for Tax-Free Childcare and 30 hours childcare Parents across Scotland are being reminded by a charity that they could be eligible for extra payments over the school holidays to cover the cost of meals for their children this summer. National advice agency Advice Direct Scotland is urging households to check if they qualify for support before schools break up for the summer later this month. Households normally eligible for free school meals during term time should automatically start receiving payments of £2.50 or £4.80 per day, per child, during the holidays, depending on the child's age and where they live. While exact holiday dates vary by council, a household with two children could be entitled to between £150 and £288 to help cover meal costs o ver the course of the six-week summer break. Parents who have not yet applied for free school meals, or who might start claiming benefits over the holidays due to a change in circumstances, are being urged to take action now. All children in P1 to P5 at schools run by local councils currently receive free school lunches during term time, regardless of their family circumstances. Children in P6 and above continue to qualify only if they come from low-income households. Over the summer and other holidays, support is available to those who normally receive free school meals. Payments are set at £2.50 per day, per child, for each weekday during the holidays, excluding weekends. However, some councils, such as Midlothian, offer higher rates of £4.20 per primary school pupil and £4.80 per secondary school pupil. This means summer payments will be around £75, £126, or £144 per child, depending on the rate and school stage. Rebecca Fagan, benefit and welfare information officer at Advice Direct Scotland, said: 'With the summer holidays approaching fast, it's crucial that families know about the support available to help provide healthy meals for their children. Many Scots are facing financial difficulties due to the cost-of-living and energy crises and will be worried about holiday-related expenses on top of rising bills. 'For families with children eligible for free school meals, payments are available throughout the summer, so we encourage anyone who might benefit to apply now. Remember, once your application is approved, payments will start promptly and will also be available during other school holidays. 'If you're unsure about your eligibility or need help applying, our team at offers free, confidential support to everyone, regardless of personal circumstances.' How to qualify for free school meals To qualify, people must be in receipt of one of the following benefits: Universal Credit (where monthly earned income is not more than £850) Income Support Income-based Job Seeker's Allowance Income-based Employment and Support Allowance Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 People who are not currently eligible but start receiving one of the above benefits during the summer holidays can apply for the extra support immediately. Applications can be made through councils or online at Those unable to fill out the application can contact the team at for help, over the phone or online. The form takes around 20 minutes to complete. Applicants will need the dates of birth of any children they have, their partner's details if applicable, and their bank details. provides free, practical advice and information on any topic, including access to benefits and whether households are claiming all the support they are entitled to. The team can be contacted on 0808 800 9060, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm.
