If you're struggling this winter, help is available.
You can find advice and signposting to support, information about local places where you can get warm and details about grants to help you.
Warm spaces
This winter, a number of local businesses and community venues are opening their doors to welcome people in from the cold.
Many are providing hot drinks and an opportunity to socialise, as well as a place to get warm.
Read more about local warm spaces in Dumbarton.
Help with energy bills
You might be eligible for benefits and grants to help with your energy bills.
Child Winter Heating Payment
Child Winter Heating Payment is a benefit that is only available in Scotland.
It's a payment of £251.50 to help with energy bills if you have a disabled child. You don't need to apply, it's paid automatically if you're eligible.
Read more about Child Winter Heating Payment.
Winter Heating Payment
Winter Heating Payment replaced Cold Weather Payments in Scotland.
It's a payment of £58.75 to help with energy bills if you get certain benefits. You don't need to apply, it's paid automatically if you're eligible.
Read more about Winter Heating Payment.
Pension Age Winter Heating Payment
Pension Age Winter Heating Payment replaced Winter Fuel Payments in Scotland.
It's a payment of £200 or £300 to help with energy bills if you get certain benefits. You don't need to apply, it's paid automatically if you're eligible.
Read more about Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.
Warm Home Discount
The Warm Home Discount is a discount on your energy bills through your energy supplier.
It's a reduction of £150 to help with energy bills if you get the guarantee credit element of Pension Credit, or if you're on a low income and meet your supplier's eligibility.
Read more about the Warm Home Discount.
Scottish Welfare Fund
The Scottish Welfare Fund's crisis grant can help with urgent energy bills.
It's a discretionary payment from your local council. There's no eligibility criteria, but it is up to your council whether or not they will make a payment.
Read more about the Scottish Welfare Fund.
Fuel Bank vouchers
You might be able to get Fuel Bank vouchers if you have a pre-payment meter.
Read more about Fuel Bank vouchers.
Help with food
There are a number of foodbanks open to people who need help with food.
You might need to be referred to the service by the council or an advice organisation.
Read more about local foodbanks in Dumbarton.
Help with clothing
There are clothing banks open to people who need help with clothing.
Winter clothing might be hard to get. You might want to check if there is any winter clothing in before going.
Read more about local clothing banks in Dumbarton.