New ‘Better Off Calculator’ to support Highland residents and improve financial outcomes
5th June 2026
The cost of living continues to place significant pressure on household finances, which affects the affordability of essential goods and services, particularly home energy, food and fuel.
As these pressures persist, access to high‑quality advice, and clear information about the financial help and support available to residents across Highland is more important than ever. Such support helps to promote healthier living, assists people through changing life events by ensuring they receive the full entitlements they are due, supports equality, and helps to alleviate financial hardship and insecurity.
The Better Off Calculator enables households to compare their financial position before and after life changes, such as starting work, changing hours, or claiming additional benefits, and to check what entitlements may be due to them.
By providing clear, personalised information, this digital solution helps residents understand their options and to make informed decisions with confidence. The Better Off Calculator is free to use and enables individuals to self-serve at a time that is convenient to them.
Chair of the Corporate Resources Committee, Councillor Paul Oldham, said, "I am delighted that the Council is now able to offer this solution for our residents. It’s free and available 24/7 for use by all. The Better Off Calculator provides residents with clear, consistent advice in real time, supporting informed and confident decision‑making. It helps people understand their options, reduces uncertainty, and can help to prevent financial pressures from escalating into debts or crisis.
The Highland Council encourages residents to make use of the Better Off Calculator as part of our ongoing commitments to delivering high‑quality advice and support, and to improve financial outcomes for households across the Highlands.”
“The Calculator also plays an important role in promoting long‑term financial resilience and independence. By clearly showing how work progression, changes in hours, or benefit take‑up can affect household income, the calculator helps residents understand the financial impact of their options and choices in a simple, transparent and accessible way.”
Working in partnership, Citizens Advice and the Council’s Welfare Support Team encourage Highland residents to seek early advice from their skilled advisers. This service is free and confidential and helps to better equip residents with financial agility and resilience.