This service is managed by Finance
Other benefits and help
If you are struggling to manage, there are steps you can take and local organisations that can help. You may be able to increase your working hours, apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment to help with rent shortfalls, or seek independent money advice.
Benefits
Council Offices,
Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1NY
Scottish Government Benefits - Social Security Scotland
Social Security Scotland is an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government responsible for delivering a range of Scottish benefits. These include Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment, Scottish Child Payment, Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods, Carer's Allowance Supplement, Child Winter Heating Allowance, Winter Heating Payment, Funeral Support Payment, Job Start Payment and Young Carer Grant.
You can apply for most of these online at mygov.scot/benefits, or by calling Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm). If you need in-person support, a Client Support Adviser can meet you at a community venue, at home, in hospital or prison, or via video or telephone appointment. BSL users can contact Social Security Scotland via the contactSCOTLAND BSL app.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
The DWP continues to administer some UK-wide benefits in Scotland.
- Universal Credit
- State Pension & Pension Credit
- New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Housing Benefit
- Maternity Allowance
Find out more at:
Related resources
Other local sources of help:
Orkney Housing Association Limited
39A Victoria Street, Kirkwall, KW15 1DN
Jobcentre Plus
Tankerness Lane, Kirkwall, KW15 1AQ
Are you getting everything you are entitled to?
It is worth checking whether you may be missing out on benefits, tax credits or pension credits. The Orkney Citizens Advice Bureau can give you free, independent and confidential advice on what you might be eligible for.
Orkney Citizens Advice Bureau
Anchor Buildings,
6 Bridge Street,
Kirkwall, KW15 1HR
Scottish Welfare Fund
The Scottish Welfare Fund provides Crisis Grants to help people on low incomes meet essential living costs in an emergency, and Community Care Grants to help people live independently or avoid going into care. Find out more on our Scottish welfare fund page.
Housing Loans
If you are aged 16 or over and want to buy or build your own home, or if you already own a home and need to carry out improvements or repairs, you may be eligible for an Orkney Islands Council Housing Loan.
A housing loan is secured against your property. The amount we can lend depends on the property offered as security and your individual circumstances. For those who qualify, we may lend up to 90% of the property price or valuation, up to three times your gross annual earned income, or a maximum of £191,000 - whichever is the lowest. In certain circumstances an interest-only loan of up to £30,000 may also be available.
Related resources
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Housing loan leaflet
This document contains information about Orkney Islands Council housing loans for people aged 16 or over who need help to buy, build, improve or repair a home for their own use. Loans are secured against the property, may cover up to £200,000 and are usually repaid over up to 25 years. The leaflet explains eligibility, required documents, application checks, fees and appeal rights, and signposts grants and energy advice.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Housing loan application guidance
This document contains guidance on Orkney Islands Council loans to buy, build or improve a home for your own use in Orkney. Loans are discretionary and generally available only to people refused by financial institutions; applicants need evidence of two refusals, a valuation and must pay a non-refundable £180 application fee. The guidance explains borrowing limits, interest and repayment terms, legal and insurance responsibilities, early repayment charges, and stage payments for building or improvement work.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Housing loans application form
This document contains a housing loan application form for individuals or joint applicants applying to Orkney Islands Council. It asks for personal, employment, income, bank, debt, expenditure, solicitor and property details, including the loan amount and purpose. It also includes declarations, a £180 administration fee, a checklist of supporting documents and information about how personal data will be used.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.