Benefits and debt advice

Customer service standards

What you can expect

Customer care is very important to us, and we work to the following standards to seek to ensure that people have access to high quality information and advice in a way that is clear and easy to understand.

Calling us

We will

  • answer the phone within a reasonable timescale, offering a callback service if you cannot wait for your call to be answered
  • return your call within 1 working day
  • help you with your query on the call if we can

Emailing or writing to us

We will

  • ensure our response is clear and easy to understand
  • translate information into the appropriate language or format as needed
  • respond to you within 5 working days

Visiting us

We will

  • enable clear and effective communication through interpretation or other services such as induction hearing loops
  • give you information that meets your needs
  • see you swiftly with minimal waiting time if dropping in
  • see you promptly on time if you are attending an appointment
  • have friendly public offices, with clean and tidy waiting areas and private rooms

Making a complaint

We will

  • try to resolve it on the spot
  • respond to you within five working days if we can't resolve it straight away
  • review your complaint if you are not satisfied and give you a final response within 20 working days.

You can make a comment or complaint on our website or speak with a member of staff.

Advice Shop

Advice on welfare rights, benefits, crisis grants and all types of debt

Address: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/adviceshop

Telephone: 0131 200 2360