Links - money, debt and welfare rights

Home > Services > Social care and health > Benefits and debt advice

The following links to the websites of Government and independent organisations are useful for advice, support and assistance with a variety of money problems, such as debt and welfare rights issues.

Scottish Government
The official website of the Scottish Government. Contains news, publications and information on the departments of the Scottish Government.

Department of Work and Pensions
The DWP site provides details on services and welfare benefits and contains information for advisers and professionals.

HM Revenue and Customs
HMRC is responsible for collecting the bulk of tax revenue, as well as paying tax credits and child benefits.

The Pension Service
The Pension Service provides impartial information on state and private pensions and a practical guide to support available from across government for retired people.

Direct Government Website
Brings together the widest range of public services information and services online.

Accountant in Bankruptcy
Official website of the AIB who supervise the process of sequestration in Scotland and associated functions.

Financial Ombudsman
Independent service for settling disputes between businesses providing financial services and their customers.

Office of Fair Trading
The Office of Fair Trading is the UK's consumer and competition authority.

Financial Services Authority
The FSA is an independent non-governmental body that regulates the financial services industry. It aims to promote efficient, orderly and fair markets and to help retail consumers achieve a fair deal.

Equifax Credit Reference Agency
Equifax is a credit reference agency which provides individuals with access to the information that lenders see when they apply for credit.


Back to top

Tribunals Service
Government department set up to deal with disputes about benefits, tax credits, child maintenance and other payments.

Consumer Direct
The independent gas and electricity watchdog which aims to get the best deal possible for energy customers.

Cruse Bereavement
The leading charity in the UK specialising in bereavement.

The Samaritans
An organisation which is available 24 hours a day to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair.

Shelter Scotland
Shelter helps people fight for their rights, get back on their feet and find and keep a home.

Age Concern
The UK'S largest charity working with and for older people.

Help the Aged
Help the Aged is a charity providing advice and support on issues that affect older people, including pensions, benefits, tax, housing choices, healthy ageing and home safety.

TV Licensing
Information and advice on paying for your tv licence and how to check if you need one.


Advice Works operate Drop-in services (no appointment needed) at various locations throughout Renfrewshire. For details of these follow the link in 'related content' to 'benefits and debt advice'.

For more information or an appointment contact our main office for further help and advice:

• email: adviceworks@renfrewshire.gov.uk
• phone: 01505 382328 - for further information or an appointment at any of our advice surgeries or 01505 381055 benefit and debt helpline
• fax: 01505 381058
• call in or write to us at:
  Renfrewshire Advice Works
  8 Collier Street
  Johnstone
  PA5 8AR

Opening times for the Advice Works service are Monday to Thursday, 8.45am - 4.45pm, and Friday, 8.45am - 3.00pm
back to top