1 day Ago By [email protected] (Linda Howard)
Unpaid carers, disabled people and those on low incomes could be entitled to thousands of pounds in additional support through devolved benefits in 2025. Social Security Scotland is encouraging anyone who thinks they might be eligible for financial help to check their entitlement by using one of the online benefits checkers on mygov.scot or by getting in touch with them directly.
The organisation provides 15 benefits , ranging from Funeral Support Payment for people on low incomes who lose someone close to them, to Job Start Payment for young people getting back into work. Support is also available to people who are disabled, terminally ill or who have a long-term health condition. Child Disability Payment and Adult Disability Payment provide up to £180 a week to help cover the extra costs of being disabled and are available no matter whether someone is in work or has savings.
In Aberdeen City, Argyll and Bute, Highland, Orkney and Shetland, disabled people also have the option of applying for Pension Age Disability Payment . In the rest of Scotland older disabled people can apply for Attendance Allowance from the DWP. Pension Age Disability Payment is replacing Attendance Allowance in Scotland and will be available across the country by Spring.
Support for unpaid carers is already available nationwide. Carer Support Payment is for people over 16 who spend 35 or more hours a week looking after adults or children who get disability benefits. Teenagers who spend 16 hours or more a week caring can apply for Young Carer Grant.
The payment of around £380 can be applied for once a year at ages 16, 17 and 18. Help is also available to parents and guardians on low incomes who get Universal Credit, Tax Credits or other qualifying benefits. Scottish Child Payment provides around £106 every four weeks to parents getting certain benefits who have children under the age of 16.
This benefit was introduced by the Scottish Government and is not available elsewhere in the UK. Parents can also get a Best Start Foods payment to help buy healthy food. The monthly payment is available from pregnancy until a child turns three.
Three other Best Start Grants are available and provide money at key stages of a child’s early life. Chief Executive of Social Security Scotland David Wallace, said: “January is a time when many of us are thinking about our finances. For people on a low income, disabled people and carers, money can be especially tight.
“Social Security Scotland provides 15 benefits that can help cover the cost of essential items, from healthy food for toddlers to help at home for someone who is disabled. I urge anyone entitled to our benefits to apply. Social security is a human right and an investment in the future of Scotland.
“ Online benefits checkers can be found on mygov.scot. Information on eligibility and help to apply is available from Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
Additional support is available to anyone who is disabled, terminally ill or living with a long-term health condition. Contact independent advocacy organisation VoiceAbility on 0300 303 1660. Join the conversation on our Money Saving Scotland Facebook group for money-saving tips, the latest benefits news, winter energy bill advice and cost of living updates.
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