Benefits and Financial Support

Bereavement Support Payment

If your husband, wife or civil partner has died within the last 21 months you may be able to get Bereavement Support Payment. You can find out more information on eligibility and how to apply on the Government website.

Carers Allowance

If you'r 16 or over and care for someone for more than 35 hours per week, you may be able to claim Carers Allowance. Full details of eligibility criteria can be found on the Government website. Claiming carers allowance can affect other benefits of both the carer and the person being cared for.

Carers Allowance Supplement

This is an extra payment for people in Scotland who get Carers Allowance on a particular date. Carers Allowance Supplement is paid 2 times in a year. More details can be found on the Scottish Government website.

Community Care Grant

This will help you cope financially if you have special difficulties and require goods such as furniture and appliances. Cash payment are made in certain circumstances. You can find out more information, including who is eligible and how to apply, on our Community Care Grant page.

Council Tax Reduction

Council Tax Reduction helps people with low income to pay their Council Tax. We assess how much you are entitled to based on your income, savings and the number of people living in your household. You can find out if you are entitled to Council Tax Reduction and how to apply on our Council Tax Reduction page.

Crisis Grant

A Crisis Grant is a sum of money that can help cover costs of essentials in times of crisis. You can find out more information including who is eligible and how to apply on our Crisis Grant page.

Funeral Support Payment

If you are on a low income and are responsible for the funeral of the deceased, you may qualify for a funeral support payment. You can find out more including how to apply on the Scottish Government website. You can also phone Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 222.

Help paying your rent

Assistance is available through Discretionary Housing Payment and Housing Benefit. You can find information on eligibility, how to check entitlement and how to apply on the help paying your rent page of our website. If you receive Universal Credit housing element, you are not eligible for Housing Benefit but can apply for Discretionary Housing Payment.

Industrial Injuries and Disablement Benefit

You can claim this if you are ill or disabed because of an accident or disease from work or an employment training scheme or course. You can find out more information including how to apply on the Goverment website.

Job Start Payment

If you are aged 16 - 24 and have been offered a new job, you may be entitled to this payment to help you with the costs of starting a new job. You can find more information including who is eligible and how to apply on the Scottish Government website.

New Style Employment and Support Allowance

If you have a health condition or a disability which limits your ability to work, you may be entitled to this. More information can be found including eligibility criteria and how to apply on the Government website.

New Style Job Seekers Allowance

If you’re unemployed or work less than 16 hours a week you may be able to get New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) instead of Universal Credit. You can find out more information, including eligibility details and how to apply, on the Government website.

Transition Fund

If you are aged 16 - 25 and have an impairment or disability you can apply for money from Independent Living Fund (ILF) Scotland to help you take part in a new activity or skill. You can find out information including who is eligible and how to apply on the ILF Scotland website.

Universal Credit

This is a means tested benefit for working age people who are on a low income or out of work. You can find more information including who is eligible and how to apply on the Government website.

Warm Home Discount

You may be able to get a £150 discount on your electricity bill if you are in receipt of certain benefits as well as meet other criteria. You can find out more information about eligibility and how to apply by contacting your energy provider.