Page contents:
- Help if you're worried about debt
- Debt with Fife Council
- Energy bills and fuel debt
- Cost of Living support
Help if you're worried about debt
Getting advice early can stop debt from getting worse and may help avoid eviction or court action.
You can get free advice and support for:
- rent or Council Tax arrears
- gas and electricity debt
- loans, credit cards or overdrafts
Citizens Advice and Rights Fife (CARF)
Citizens Advice and Rights Fife (CARF) provide a free online money and debt advice. Their online tool allows you to:
- create an account
- submit a 'You and Your Finances' application
After submitting your application, a member of the CARF Money Advice Unit will contact you within 3 working days to arrange an appointment with a Money Adviser.
Speak to an advisor
If you have an urgent need for debt support, you can contact CARF's advice line on 03451 400 094. Their line is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm. Calls charges to this number may vary, depending on your phone provider.
CARF also offer in person advice sessions, with some drop in sessions available.
Fife Council
Our dedicated website for Cost of Living support is available for you to access whenever you need it. The website covers a range of different subjects that can support you during the rise in living costs. Including the free Fife Benefit Checker, support with heating costs and debt.
Our community teams run face to face drop in and appointment only sessions offering support with benefits and money advice. Sessions are available in:
- Cowdenbeath area
- Dunfermline area
- Glenrothes area
- Kirkcaldy area
- Levenmouth area
- North East Fife
- South West Fife
Independent debt advice
If you need confidential advice that is independent of the Council, there are organisations and charities that can support you:
Debt with Fife Council
Council Tax helps fund local services, and rent is an essential payment for Fife Council tenants. We understand that people can fall behind with payments due to changes in income, rising costs or unexpected circumstances.
Struggling to pay your rent
If you’re struggling to pay your rent, there may be financial support available to help you stay in your home.
Rent Support Fund
If you are a Fife Council tenant and are experiencing financial hardship, the Rent Support Fund may be able to help with rent arrears or short‑term difficulties with rent payments.
The fund is designed to support tenants who are struggling due to unexpected changes in circumstances. Find out more about the Rent Support Fund.
Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP)
If you receive Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit, you may be able to apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP).
DHP can help if your benefit does not cover your full rent, for example due to:
- the bedroom tax
- a benefit cap
- short term financial difficulties
Find out more about Discretionary Housing Payment.
Housing Benefit
If you are on a low income or experiencing changes in your circumstances, you may be entitled to Housing Benefit (or may need to update an existing claim).
Housing Benefit can help pay rent and reduce arrears if awarded.
Find out more about Housing Benefit.
Struggling to pay your Council Tax
If you are struggling to pay Council Tax, there may be support available to reduce your bill or help make payments more manageable. It’s important to check what help you may be entitled to as soon as possible.
Council Tax Reduction
You may be able to get Council Tax Reduction if you are on a low income or receive certain benefits. Council Tax Reduction can reduce the amount of Council Tax you have to pay.
If your circumstances have changed, you may need to make a new claim or update an existing one. Find out more about Council Tax Reduction.
Council Tax discounts and exemptions
Some households may qualify for discounts or exemptions, which can reduce the amount of Council Tax charged. This could apply if:
- you live alone
- someone in your household is a student
- there is a disability in the household
- a property is exempt for a specific reason
Find out more about Council Tax discounts and exemptions.
If you are struggling to pay Council Tax or rent, contact us as soon as possible on 03451 55 11 55. We are open Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm. We will discuss the situation and explain all the options available to you. We want to work with you to agree a way forward and help prevent the situation from getting worse.
Independent advice services, such as Citizens Advice and Rights Fife, can help you understand your options and support you to make contact with us.
Energy bills and fuel debt
If you are worried about rising energy costs, or you have fallen behind on your gas or electricity payments, free help is available to keep your home warm.
Cosy Kingdom
Cosy Kingdom is a free and impartial energy advice service available to all tenants and homeowners in Fife. They can help you:
- manage fuel debt by negotiating with your supplier
- if you are at risk of disconnection, suggest support with emergency top-ups
- save you money by providing energy-saving tips and check if you are on the best tariff
- identify if you are eligible for the Warm Home Discount or new heating systems.
Contact Cosy Kingdom for free, impartial energy advice
There are different ways you can contact Cosy Kingdom:
- Telephone:01592 807 930 - Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm
- Text: 'COSY' and then your name to 88440
- Email:info@cosykingdom.org.uk
- Book an appointment online
Cost of Living support
There is a wide range of support available to help you increase your income and reduce your monthly outgoings.
- Our Fife - Get Help: our dedicated site for local support including food, clothing and community help
- free benefit calculator: use our anonymous online tool to check if you are missing out on any benefits or grants
- Cost of Living Support Scotland: the official Scottish Government portal for national grants, energy support, and family payments
- Money Map Scotland: an easy-to-use tool from Citizens Advice Scotland to help you find ways to save money and boost your income
