benefits – Page 4 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Scottish Government: Support with energy costs

Statement to the Scottish Parliament about support with fuel costs in winter

More than 456,000 people are due to receive Winter Heating Payments totalling £26.8 million this winter, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville will tell MSPs today (Tuesday 14^th Jan).

Updating the Scottish Parliament on support with fuel costs for people on low incomes, Ms Somerville will confirm the Scottish Government is forecast to invest more than £65 million in our three Winter Heating Benefits this year, providing vital support to more than 630,000 people with their energy bills.

The Winter Heating Payment guarantees everyone eligible will receive a payment every year, rather than the UK Government approach of requiring a sustained period of cold weather, which previously resulted in no Cold Weather Payments being made to many low income households across Scotland.

The Scottish Government benefit, which replaced the UK Government’s Cold Weather Payment, provides a targeted, reliable and guaranteed annual payment of £58.75 to support people on low incomes with the cost of heating over the winter months.

The UK Government’s Cold Weather Payment previously provided £25 per cold spell only when the average of the mean daily temperature recorded was equal to or below zero degrees for seven consecutive days.

The Child Winter Heating Payment provides help to disabled children and young people and their families who have higher energy needs due to a disability or a health condition.

This benefit is not available elsewhere in the UK. So far 37,000 payments have issued totalling £9.3 million so far this year, to support more than 33,000 children, young people and their families.

Pension Age Winter Heating Payment helps people of pension age who receive certain benefits to pay their heating bills, and is providing payments of £200 or £300 to people in receipt of a qualifying benefit, depending on their age, this year.

For next year, the Scottish Government will bring forward regulations to ensure every pensioner household receives at least £100 – support which is also not available anywhere else in the UK.

Ms Somerville said: “When we asked people they told us they overwhelmingly supported the removal of the ‘cold spell’ requirement for the UK Government’s Cold Weather Payment.

“Our Winter Heating Payment breaks the link with arbitrarily-defined weather dependency and provides financial support, no matter the weather. This means low-income households will automatically be paid and do not have the uncertainty of waiting for weather readings for seven consecutive days before receiving a payment.

“More than 453,000 people got Winter Heating Payments last winter from the Scottish Government thanks to an investment of £25 million. This winter we will invest even more – £26.8 million – for Winter Heating Payment.

“That more than triples the £8.5 million provided on average by the Department for Work and Pensions in each of the last seven years prior to the introduction of our Payment.

“Our Winter Heating Payment is a very clear example of how this Scottish Government is doing more to support the people of Scotland throughout the long, cold winter months.”

Granton Information Centre delighted with feedback survey response

Thanks to everyone who has given us feedback so far by completing our survey!

GIC are passionate about providing the best possible service to our clients and we are delighted with the results and the many positive comments we’ve received since April:

Look after a loved one? £288 should hit your bank account tomorrow

There are around 80,000 unpaid carers in Scotland. Tomorrow, many of these Scots will see £288.60 deposited into their bank accounts. This payment is part of the Carer’s Allowance Supplement, and up to 30,000 carers who were not previously eligible could now be amongst those entitled to the support, thanks to crucial changes to the Scottish system which took place just last month.

To help carers navigate the complex system correctly, Suzanne Bourne – Head of Carer Support at the UK’s largest community of unpaid carers, Mobilise – explains more. Her advice below covers what the Carer’s Allowance Supplement is, how to check if you’re eligible and what to do if you think you’ve missed out on support you’re entitled to:

What is Carer’s Allowance Supplement?

Carer’s Allowance Supplement is worth £577.20 in total, and is split into two twice-yearly payments of £288.60. Eligible carers should have received the first of these payments on 7 June 2024. The second payment is due on Friday 6 December 2024.

The supplement isn’t new. But rules surrounding a different benefit, which determines whether or not people receive the supplement, changed just last month.

In November, the Carer Support Payment was introduced to replace Carer’s Allowance for carers living in Scotland. Carers who receive the Carer Support Payment are automatically paid the £288.60 Carer’s Allowance Supplement.

And, thanks to the recent rule changes, both forms of financial support are now available to many more of Scotland’s 30,000 young carers.

Who is eligible?

Carers who received either Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment on 7th October should automatically get the £288.60 supplement on 6th December.

To be eligible for the Carer Support Payment you must be:

Aged 16 or over
Providing care for over 35 hours per week to someone who receives disability benefits
Earning less than £151 a week
Living in Scotland
Students must be in full-time education, and meet additional criteria (find out more here)

If you’re due to receive the supplement, you’ll get a letter from Social Security Scotland before the payment is made. If you do not get a letter or payment by 16 December 2024 but believe you are eligible, contact Social Security Scotland.

Who needs to be careful?

In particular, given the recent rule changes, young carers should seek help from Social Security Scotland if they believe they are missing out on vital financial support which they are entitled to.

All carers should also be aware of the upper earnings limit trip hazards. The threshold for Carer’s Allowance – which is still in place for carers in England and Wales – increased to £181 a week following the recent Budget. For Scottish carers, the earnings limit is still £151 a week.

So make sure your earnings are within the limit where you live, and update Social Security Scotland if your situation changes. Especially since this threshold is the source of the ongoing ‘overpayments’ scandal, whereby hardworking carers are having to pay back their benefits.

How can I check if I’m eligible?

If you’re unsure whether you meet the criteria for Carer Support Payment – and, in-turn, the Carer’s Allowance Supplement – you can check using the government’s free eligibility checker tool.

How can I apply?

Applications for Carer Support Payment are now open Scotland-wide. If you’re eligible you can apply online, by phone, by post, or in-person. See the government’s website for full details.

Receiving Carer Support Payment Carer’s Allowance Supplement may affect any other benefits you receive, or the benefits of the person you look after. So it’s important to be aware and seek additional guidance from Social Security Scotland before you apply if you are concerned.

What additional support is available?

There are a number of other forms of financial support on offer for those who look after loved ones. Some of these benefits can be claimed instead of the Carer Support Payment and supplement, for those not eligible, and some can be claimed in addition. These benefits include:

Young Carer Grant – Scottish carers aged 16, 17 or 18 can apply for this yearly payment of £383.75 if they provide care for an average of 16 hours per week. Find more details and apply via the Scottish government’s website
Carer’s Credit – Anyone that provides 20 hours of unpaid care a week is eligible for this National Insurance credit, which helps individuals qualify for state pensions later on. Check whether you’re eligible using this credit checker tool
Carer’s Element – If you’re on a low income and receiving Universal Credit, you may be entitled to an additional £185.86 a month. The Universal Credit team can advise you on this
Carer’s Support Plan – By requesting an assessment from your local council, you can find out if you’re eligible for any additional, one-off, direct payments to help you manage the impact of caregiving. Find out more here
Pension Credit – The Carer Addition (or ‘Carer Premium’) – If you’re aged 65 or over, and on a low income, you may also be entitled to credit which is separate from your State Pension to help with living costs. Find out more via the government’s website
Grants from local councils – Grants to help with caring costs can also be made by councils. Check what support is available to you using this grant search tool
Council tax discounts – If you’re on a low income and claiming a benefit, you may be eligible for reduced council tax. Apply via the government’s website
Heating benefits – It’s also worth checking if you’re eligible for the Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment, or the Cold Weather Payment. Find out more here
Discounts – There are a number of discounts available exclusively to people who look after loved ones, including discounted train tickets, days out (see a list of attractions that apply here), and even free cinema tickets (with a CEA card)

For more advice and guidance on the financial support available to unpaid carers, you can find detailed information or speak to a carer support expert via the Mobilise website.

Social Security Bill passed

Legislation will protect people claiming benefits against inflation

Payments to people in receipt of benefits will be protected from inflation after the Scottish Parliament passed the Social Security (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill yesterday.

The new Act places a legal obligation on Scottish Ministers to annually increase all benefits delivered under the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018 in line with inflation. This action will help to protect the real terms value of payments such as the Best Start Grants and winter heating payments as prices rise in the economy.

The legislation will also enhance the rights of Social Security Scotland clients in a number of ways:

A right to late re-determinations and appeals in exceptional circumstances
The right to withdraw a request for redetermination
The right to challenge a decision that someone is liable in a situation where an overpayment has been made

It will also continue to enhance the design of the system, maximising choice for those who use it while delivering good value for money.

Legislation passed by @ScotParl will ensure all Scottish Benefits are up-rated annually in line with inflation.

The Social Security (Amendment) Act will also provide @SocSecScot clients with additional rights and improve the efficiency of the system.

▶️https://t.co/hPS47Ipk6Y pic.twitter.com/YemrddFAE6
— Scot Gov Fairer (@ScotGovFairer) December 4, 2024

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “This legislation will protect people in receipt of benefits at a time when many are feeling additional pressures due to the cost of living crisis.

“It is part of our commitment to continually improve the Scottish social security system in ways which put the needs of those who require assistance first.

“The law will help make the social security system more efficient and effective, contributing to our mission to tackle poverty and protect people from harm.

“The measures it contains advance equality and non-discrimination and ensure the system is efficient and delivers value for money.”

The Social Security (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill

Families across Scotland benefit from over £1 billion in social security support

New figures show over £1 billion paid out to help end child poverty

New figures show that the Scottish Government’s five family payments have reached a landmark figure since their launch, paying over £1billion to families across Scotland to help end child poverty.

The latest statistics released from Social Security Scotland reveal that between February 2021 and September 2024 £905.6 million has been paid out in Scottish Child Payment and a further £172.3 million since the launch of Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods.

The combined value of this vital financial support is over £1 billion and has been delivered by Social Security Scotland through its five family payments; Scottish Child Payment, Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment, Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment, Best Start Grant School Age Payment, Best Start Foods.

The payments support children throughout key stages from pregnancy then birth, to starting school and on to age 16.

Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment, Best Start Grant School Age Payment and the ‘game changing’ Scottish Child Payment are only available in Scotland.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Summerville said: “Ending child poverty is the Scottish Government’s single greatest priority. At a time when families are struggling with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, we have been delivering payments which offer vital to support families and children at key stages in their lives.

“There is help during pregnancy and in the months after a baby is born; help paying for early learning; help with that all important first day at school and help with buying the healthy, nutritious food that is vital for developing children.

“Then there is the unique Scottish Child Payment. More than 325,000 children and young people were benefitting from the payment by the end of September 2024. Our modelling projects Scottish Child Payment will keep 60,000 children out of relative poverty in 2024-25.”

Background

Link to Scottish Child Payment high level statistics to 30 September 2024: https://www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/reporting/publications/scottish-child-payment-high-level-statistics-to-30-september-2024

Link to Best Start Food high level statistics to 30 September 2024: https://www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/reporting/publications/best-start-grant-and-best-start-foods-high-level-statistics-to-30-september-2024

Payment Launch Dates:

Scottish Child Payment: 15 February 2021
Best Start Grants: 10 December 2018
Best Start Foods: 15 August 2019

Payments available for families include:

Scottish Child Payment – over £100 every four weeks to help towards the costs of looking after each child under 16.
Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment – one off payment of up to £754.65 after 24 weeks of pregnancy up until a baby turns 6 months
Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment – one off payment of £314.45 to help with the costs of early learning when a child is between two and three years and six months
Best Start Grant School Age Payment – one off payment of £314.45 to help with the costs of starting school when a child is first old enough to start primary one
Best Start Foods – up to £42.40 every four weeks from pregnancy up to when a child turns three to help buy healthy food

Parents, carers and guardians can get more information at mygov.scot/fivefamilypayments or by calling free on 0800 182 2222.

Carers Rights Day: Carers urged to check for financial help

Thousands of unpaid carers could be missing out

This Carers Rights Day (Thursday 21 November 2024), unpaid carers across the country are being encouraged to check their eligibility for financial support from Social Security Scotland.

It is estimated that there are around 800,000 unpaid carers, including 30,000 under the age of 18, providing care for a family member, friend or neighbour in Scotland.

Research also suggests that many do not see themselves as a carer, meaning they do not take up support they are entitled to.

There are three payments delivered by Social Security Scotland dedicated to supporting unpaid carers.

Carer Support Payment is replacing Carer’s Allowance in Scotland and is now available for new applications Scotland-wide.

Young Carer Grant and Carer’s Allowance Supplement are only available in Scotland. There has been a 26% increase in Young Carer Grant applications from those aged 16-18 in the 12 months to September 2024 compared to the same period the previous year.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The Scottish Government has supported around 164,000 unpaid carers through social security payments since 2018. We understand their important role and that many may be juggling caring with work, study or family commitments.

“That is why we’ve been working closely with carers and organisations that represent them, to develop a better social security system in Scotland. This includes improving the application process and providing two payments that are only available for carers here in Scotland.

“This Carers Rights Day, I urge everyone who carries out a caring role to find out more about the financial help available. And if you know an unpaid carer, whether a student, work colleague, friend or even someone caring for you, let them know support is available.”

As part of Carers Rights Day, Social Security Scotland has organised a pop-up event at South Lanarkshire College to help raise awareness amongst students about the financial support available and to support them with applying.

Head of Student Services, Rose Harkness, said: “South Lanarkshire College proudly support carers of all ages who provide unpaid assistance to loved ones facing illness, disability, mental health challenges, or addiction.

“Our inclusive environment enables carers to achieve qualifications without barriers through tailored guidance, course and funding advice, and support with completing applications.

“Working in partnership with Social Security Scotland has encouraged more of our carers to check eligibility and apply for funding to help in their caring role. We are committed to empowering carers for both academic success and personal growth.”

To find out more about the financial support available for unpaid carers visit: mygov.scot/browse/benefits/carers

Background

Carer Support Payment is available to people providing care for 35 hours or more a week, earning a maximum weekly income of £151 after tax, National Insurance and expenses, to someone who receives disability benefits. It replaces Carer’s Allowance in Scotland and is a payment of £81.90 per week. Carer Support Payment is also available to some carers in education. This includes full-time students aged 20 or over and students under 20 in advanced or higher education. Students aged 16-19 in non-advanced education e.g. studying for National Certificates, Highers and Advanced Highers, may also be eligible. Carers in Scotland who are already receiving Carer’s Allowance don’t need to apply for Carer Support Payment. Their benefits will be automatically transferred. This process is due to complete in spring 2025.
Young Carer Grant is a yearly payment of £383.75 and is available for carers age 16, 17 or 18 who provide support for an average of 16 hours a week to someone receiving certain benefits. The money can be spent on whatever the young person wants.
Carer’s Allowance Supplement is an automatic payment made twice a year to unpaid carers receiving Carer Support Payment from Social Security Scotland or Carer’s Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The next payment of £288.60 will be paid on Friday 6 December for those who were paid Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on 7 October 2024. The Scottish Government has committed to replace six monthly lump sum Carer’s Allowance Supplement payments with more regular payments alongside Carer Support Payment once case transfer is complete.
Information on other support for carers is available at Help if you’re a carer – mygov.scot

Edinburgh claimants stop Jobcentre breaking benefit rule

Currently, benefit claimants on Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) are being transferred over to Universal Credit. According to law the vast majority of disabled ESA claimants keep their ‘not fit for work status’ while being transferred over, and continue to receive disability-related payments.

High Riggs Jobcentre in Edinburgh was illegally forcing transferred disabled claimants to obtain a fit note from their GP and go through unnecessary ‘work capability assessments’. A local anti-poverty group found out about this, through voluntarily accompanying benefit claimants to their appointments, and providing moral support.

Edinburgh Coalition Against Poverty is a community group which helps local people access benefits, register complaints, and voice their concerns over government response to the cost of living crisis.

ECAP held a demonstration outside High Riggs jobcentre on 30th September.

Four local claimants went in, delivering a letter for and requesting a meeting with the local manager. Jobcentre staff told ECAP that they were “unavailable”, and refused to give any contact details.

Local benefit claimants were told that staff would pass on the letter, and that the manager would contact ECAP the next day.

However despite this promise ECAP received no further contact contact from High Riggs Jobcentre, or the DWP.

A second protest was organised to occur at High Riggs jobcentre at 3PM on 30 October, a day before Halloween.

Members of the local community held placards proclaiming “Cutting Disability Benefits Kills”, and a protestor dressed as the “DWP Grim Reaper” brandished their scythe menacingly. Meanwhile an ECAP delegation swerved past security guards into the Jobcentre where they met the manager of High Riggs Jobcentre.

The manager admitted that the jobcentre had been wrongly telling migrating ESA claimants they needed to get a Fit Note. They told us that all High Riggs work coaches had now received instructions that ESA claimants migrating to Universal Credit kept their existing “not fit for work” status and did not need to go through another Work Capability Assessment.

The Manager assured ECAP that if there were any future problems a meeting could be arranged to sort matters.

If you are in this position and have problems contact ecapmail@gmail.com.

An ECAP spokesperson said: “This victory was only achieved by numbers of people mobilising and taking action”.

More information available at edinburghagainstpoverty.org.uk
and in particular at https://edinburghagainstpoverty.org.uk/?p=3463

Contact ecapmail@gmail.com

Expected payment date	Actual payment date



Wednesday 1 January 2025	Tuesday 31 December 2024
Thursday 2 January 2025	Tuesday 31 December 2024