The North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership's initiative, Money Smart, has provided crucial financial assistance to individuals and families across North Ayrshire. The service ensures residents can access and maximise their entitled benefits and offers vital debt advice, contributing to a substantial financial uplift.
In the financial year 2025-26, the team secured over £20,706,707 for 6128 individuals and families. This funding is particularly critical amidst the ongoing Cost-of-Living Crisis. The service is available to all Council tenants and non-Council tenants, including those in housing association homes, private lets, and owner occupiers, who are referred by the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), the Council, or Third Sector agencies such as food banks. Eligibility also extends to those who are pregnant, have dependent children, live with a disability, care for someone, or are from a minority ethnic background.
“"For many people, getting a handle on the social security system and which support they are entitled to can be daunting – and this is where the Money Smart experts come in. The team will talk you through the process, help you with applications and get you on the right road to increasing your household income. I would encourage anyone who feels that they are missing out on social security benefits to pick up the phone, speak to an adviser and take the first step with Money Smart."
Key services offered by Money Smart include completing benefits checks, assisting with claims for Universal Credit and other DWP and Social Security Scotland benefits, providing advice on debts such as rent and Council Tax arrears, offering information on housing services, and delivering budgeting advice.
Recent feedback highlights the profound impact of the service. One user expressed immense gratitude for the reduction in financial stress during cancer treatment, stating, “She was absolutely amazing! I really can't thank her enough. She completely reduced all my financial stresses and worries I had at the time.” Another resident described the support as “invaluable through a very stressful time,” while a third commented on the alleviation of anxiety, noting, “You have done a ‘sterling job.’ Many thanks for your support. It has had a significant impact.” A further client found the support comforting during a difficult personal time, remarking, “She is a credit to her profession.”
Money Smart offers flexible access to its services via phone, video call, in-person appointments, and, in some cases, home visits. Residents can get in touch by calling 01294 310000 (option 1), emailing moneysmart@north-ayrshire.gov.uk, or completing a referral form online via the Council website. The service operates from 9am to 4.45pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 4.30pm on Fridays.
For those who do not meet the eligibility criteria for Money Smart, alternative support is available through CHAP (030 0002 0002), Citizens Advice Scotland (0800 028 1456), and StepChange (0800 138 1111) for welfare rights, housing, and debt matters.
