Edinburgh M.E. Self help Group

The following organisations offer help and advice regarding benefit applications for those based in Edinburgh and the Lothians:

The Advice Shop

City of Edinburgh Council Welfare Rights Service
85-87 South Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1HN
Tel: 0131 225 1255
Website: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/internet/a-z/AZ_advice_shop

Trained advisers are employed by Edinburgh City Council, with some limited knowledge/experience of M.E. but as this is a drop-in service, the person you are allocated may not be the most experienced in dealing with M.E. This is a free drop-in “open-door” service so best to check opening times and get there early otherwise long delays waiting are likely at busy times. There is a lack of privacy when discussing applications since it is an open office. Forms will be fully completed on your behalf, photocopied and posted for you and copies will be kept on file on your behalf. Offer a dedicated representative to deal with appeals, including preparation of your case, lodging of papers and accompanying clients to hearings; appointments and private rooms are offered for appeal processing.

Grapevine Lothian Disability Information Service

(Part of Lothian Centre for Independent Living)
Norton Park
57 Albion Road
Edinburgh EH7 5QY
Tel: 0131 475 2370
Web: www.lothiancil.org.uk

Disability information service, affiliated to DIAL (Disability Advice Line). Staffed by volunteers with experience in M.E. Initial contact is by phone to make an appointment. Offer help and advice regarding all welfare rights but can only offer help with completion of forms specifically for DLA and AA (Attendance Allowance). Privacy is offered for your appointment including discussion of questions and form completion. You will need to photocopy the form and send if off but Grapevine will complete the forms in their entirety.

Please note Grapevine do not offer representation for appeals and tribunals.

Citizens Advice Bureau

Visit the website www.cas.org.uk where you can search for your nearest CAB office and find out opening times.

Edinburgh City Centre: 58 Dundas Street EH3 Tel: 0131 557 1500 or 558 3681 (appointments)

Local Offices also at:

Dalkeith 8 Buccleuch Street EH22 Tel: 0131 663 3688
Fountainbridge 137 Dundee Street EH11 Tel: 0131 474 8080
Grangemouth 3 Kerse Road FK3 Tel: 01324 483467
Haddington 38 Market Street EH41 Tel: 01620 824471
Leith 166 Great Junction Street EH6 Tel: 0131 554 8144
Livingston Shiel House, Shiel Walk, Livingston EH54 Tel: 01506 432977
Musselburgh 141 High Street EH21 Tel: 0131 653 2748
Penicuik 14A John Street EH26 Tel: 01968 675259
Pilton 661 Ferry Road EH4 Tel: 0131 332 9434
Portobello 8A-8B Bath Street EH15 Tel: 0131 669 7138

All offices are staffed by volunteers but dedicated benefit advisers should be available – ask if they have experience with M.E. and shop around until you find someone who does. Privacy is offered for your appointment including discussion of questions and form completion. You will need to photocopy the form and send if off but CAB should complete the forms in their entirety if you ask them to.

Offer representation at appeals, including lodging of papers and accompanying clients to hearings. However, this is usually the person who dealt with your application so it is important to ask at the outset if they have experience with ME and with appeals – shop around.

The Rights Office

Southside Community Centre
117 Nicholson Street
Edinburgh EH8 9YG
Tel: 0131 667 6339

Independent welfare rights advice; open on Mondays and Wednesdays only.

25% ME Group (for severely affected)

Advocacy Helpline: 01292 312369
Web: www.25MEgroup.org

Dedicated welfare benefits adviser for people severely affected by M.E. – advice given over the phone and comprehensive information on the website about completing forms and the appeals process. Do not offer representation at appeals.

East Lothian Welfare Rights Advice

Based in Musselburgh, with surgeries also in Prestonpans, Tranent, Haddington, Dunbar and North Berwick.
Tel: 0131 653 5230
Website: http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/content/0,1094,511,00.html

Trained advisers employed by East Lothian Council. Offer help and advice on benefits and assistance in completing forms. Also offer representation at appeals. Telephone to make an appointment.

Midlothian Welfare Rights Service

Based in Loanhead
Tel: 0131 271 3780
Website: http://www.midlothian.gov.uk/Topic.aspx?TopicId=29

Trained advisers employed by the Council. Offer help and advice on benefits and assistance in completing forms. Also offer representation at appeals. Telephone to make an appointment. No drop in service is available, although a weekly surgery is held on Thursdays from 9.30 to 12.30. Home visits are available for the housebound.