Tag: Social Security Scotland

Don’t lose out on School Age Payment

Parents and carers in Scotland have until midnight on 28 February 2026 to apply for over £300 of support for children when they are old enough to start primary school.

School Age Payment is worth £319.80 for each child to help with the cost of preparing for school.

The payment helps carers and families facing additional costs at a key stage in a child’s development. The money can be spent on anything a child needs for school, including clothes, school trips and stationery.

Part of the Best Start Grant package, which is unique to Scotland, School Age Payment is available for children born between 1 March 2020 and 28 February 2021. Parents and carers can receive the payment for multiple children born during this time and there is no requirement to take up a place at school.

Since the launch of Best Start Grant in 2018, Social Security Scotland has delivered School Age Payment to more than 114,000 parents and carers.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “Families and carers should not miss out on support they are entitled to – especially at such an important milestone in a child’s life.

School Age Payment helps ease the financial pressures of starting school while playing an important role in our mission to tackle child poverty. I strongly encourage parents and carers to check if they are eligible and apply before the February deadline to make sure their child gets the best start possible.”

To apply for School Age Payment, visit: https://www.mygov.scot/best-start-grant-best-start-foods/how-to-apply

Eligibility:

A person may be able to get Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods if they or their partner meet all these conditions:

  • live in Scotland
  • are pregnant or have a child who’s the right age for a payment
  • are the main person looking after the child
  • get certain benefits or payments

The person or their partner must get one of these qualifying benefits to be eligible for Best Start Grant and Foods:

  • Universal Credit
  • Housing Benefit
  • Income Support
  • Pension Credit
  • income-based Jobseekers Allowance
  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance

People under 20 years old who do not get one of these payments, may still be able to get Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods.

Social Security Scotland automatically pays School Age Payment to eligible people who get Scottish Child Payment. If people do not receive Scottish Child Payment or have opted out of automatic payments, they are encouraged to apply before the deadline on 28 February 2026.

Some families who are not eligible for Scottish Child Payment might still be eligible for the School Age Payment. This includes parents and carers who receive housing benefit; are under 18 and do not receive any other benefits; or are 18 or 19 and dependent on someone else who receives benefits for them.

School Age Payment has not replaced School Clothing Grant. School Age Payment does not affect payments of School Clothing Grant in any way. Eligible parents and carers can apply for both payments.

Social Security Scotland usually only makes each of the payments once for the same child. If responsibility for the child changes, they may make extra payments to the person who’s now responsible for the child. For example, if a child moves to live with a different kinship carer or adoptive parent within the same application window.

People urged to check for financial help

Social security support can make a difference to lives

From Shetland to the Borders, people across Scotland are being urged to check if they are eligible for financial support.

Social Security Scotland helped over 960,000 people receive the money they were entitled to in financial year 2024/25.

The organisation now delivers 17 benefit payments, including support for families on low incomes, disabled people, pensioners, young people looking for work and unpaid carers. There is also financial help for heating homes and contributing towards the cost of a funeral.

Amongst the payments is Scottish Child Payment, which is only available in Scotland. Families who receive Universal Credit, or other qualifying benefits, may be entitled to a weekly payment of £27.15 for every eligible child under 16 years of age. There is also no limit on the number of children who can benefit.

Financial support is also available for disabled people, those who have long-term health conditions or are terminally ill. 

Child Disability Payment and Adult Disability Payment can help cover the extra costs disabled people face. Pension Age Disability Payment replaces Attendance Allowance in Scotland and can support disabled people aged 66 and over who need help looking after themselves or supervision to stay safe with a weekly payment of up to £110.40 a week.

Scotland’s unpaid carers receive more support than anywhere else in the UK. Carer Support Payment, a payment of £83.30 per week, has replaced Carer’s Allowance with more carers in full time education able to access it. Further improvements for carers, including new extra support for those caring for more than one person, will come into effect in March 2026.

Young people aged 16-24 who have been out of work for at least six months and receiving a low-income benefit may be able to get Job Start Payment. It is a one-off payment of £319.80 to help cover the cost of starting a new job.  

People are urged to check if they can get social security support and can access an online benefit calculator to help them to do this. Many are available online, are free, and can provide more detail on the benefits available to an individual and how to apply.

Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “We know that many people are feeling the strain right now – especially after Christmas – and we don’t want anyone to miss out on the support they’re entitled to. 

 “That’s why we are investing in the people of Scotland with social security when they need it most. These payments can make a real difference to everyday lives, whether it’s helping with heating costs, caring responsibilities, enabling someone to be more independent or with raising a family.  

“Many of our payments are available for people in and out of work, for example Adult Disability Payment is available no matter whether someone is in work or has savings. Social security is a public service that anyone may need at any point in their life. I urge people to check if they are eligible and get the help they are entitled to.”

Rebecca Fagan, Benefit and Welfare Policy Executive at Advice Direct Scotland, added: “Every year, millions of pounds worth of vital benefits go unclaimed because people are unaware of what they may be entitled to.

“Sometimes people just assume they won’t qualify.

“At a time when many households are under significant financial pressure, it is more important than ever that people check what support is available to them.

“At Advice Direct Scotland, we see first-hand the essential support provided to people across the country through every stage of life by Social Security Scotland benefits.

“Our trusted online benefits calculator – at www.benefits.advice.scot – is a simple, confidential way to get an accurate picture of what you are entitled to.

“This type of calculator can help people make informed decisions, boost household income and act as a vital first step in accessing advice and support before problems escalate.

“Our skilled advisers are also here to help people find out what they can do to claim all the benefits that they are entitled to.

“Our advice.scot team can be reached on 0808 800 9060 or via www.advice.scot.”

The number of people helped by Social Security Scotland in financial year 2024/25 is 962,525. A full report can be found at:

  https://www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/binaries/socialsecurity/publications/2024/06/individual-clients…

Free support available for benefit applications 

People urged not to pay for help to apply

Anyone in Scotland who needs additional support to apply for benefits can receive free help to complete their applications.  

There are several options available for people who need support:  

Social Security Scotland’s Client Advisers can help people by talking to them by phone or through webchat.  

We can support people to apply over the phone on 0800 182 2222 or via webchat.

People can also get help in their communities from our team of local advisers.

In addition, the Scottish Government funds an independent advocacy service to deliver free advice and support to disabled people applying for benefits.

Organisations including Citizens Advice Scotland, Macmillan Cancer Support, Age Scotland and local authority welfare rights teams can also help. 

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “I urge everyone to avoid any company asking people for money to help them apply for benefits. Free support is readily available from Social Security Scotland and several organisations.

“People should get every penny of the vital support we are delivering to help them live with dignity. Companies charging fees to make benefit applications are exploiting people and taking money from those who need it most.” 


 
Derek Mitchell, CEO of Citizens Advice Scotland said:  “Our advisers in local Citizens Advice Bureaus across Scotland provide free and confidential advice expert advice that gets money back in people’s pockets.

“Whether you need that face to face, over the phone or online, advisers based in local communities will work with you and make sure you get all the support you need.  

“No one should have to pay for advice to get the social security payments they’re entitled to. Every penny of the nearly £170 million we secured for people last year, stayed with them.” 

Over 837,000 winter heating payments made

Scotland benefits from the strongest package of winter heating support in the UK

Over 837,000 payments have been made to people across the country to help with heating costs this winter – thanks to a unique package of support that provides more for people in Scotland than anywhere else in the UK. 

More than 268,500 payments for Child Winter Heating Payment and Winter Heating Payment – support only available in Scotland – have been paid and are likely to have already landed in people’s bank accounts. 

Child Winter Heating Payment supports families caring for children with the highest disability support needs and the vast majority of payments have already been made.  

Winter Heating Payment is a guaranteed, annual payment for people receiving certain benefits. 

This is irrespective of how cold the temperature gets outside, unlike the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Cold Weather Payment which is only paid if the average temperature reaches, or is forecast to reach, freezing or below for a full week. 

Over 568,000 Pension Age Winter Heating Payments have been paid to people aged 66 and over. This has replaced the DWP Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland and is at a higher rate than elsewhere in the UK. Payments will continue to be made throughout the winter.  

All Social Security Scotland winter payments are automatic with no need to apply. 

Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Costs are rising and there will be many people struggling with household bills this winter. 

“That’s why the Scottish Government is taking action and will deliver the strongest package of winter support than anywhere else in the UK.  

“We’re providing winter help, no matter the weather and I’m pleased that over three quarters of a million payments have already been made to do just that.”

Joe Cluxton, energy coordinator at FEL, a service that provides free home energy advice to residents in the Forth Valley added: “We welcome the range of winter heating support delivered by Social Security Scotland as a means to address fuel poverty and the rising cost of heating our homes.  

“The cost of living crisis may drive some to keep the heating off or too low in homes with vulnerable residents, and this is a valuable move to keep people safe through the coldest seasons.” 

Keep warm in the cold weather  

 

♨️
  • Heat rooms you regularly use to a comfortable temperature (at least 18°C if you can) 
  • Wear several layers of clothing 
  • Try move around every hour 

More info:

http://nhsinform.scot/cold-weather

Festive Cheer: December payment for thousands of Scots carers

Financial boost for carers ahead of the festive season

Carer’s Allowance Supplement will be paid to more than 96,000 carers across Scotland from 4 December.

Carer’s Allowance Supplement is an extra payment, currently made twice a year, for people in Scotland who get Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on the qualifying dates.

The payment of £293.50, which is only available in Scotland, will be made automatically from 4 December to people who were paid Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on 13 October 2025. Carers due to get the payment will get a letter from Social Security Scotland before the payment is made.

Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “As one of the first payments introduced by Social Security Scotland in 2018, I’m proud of the difference that Carer’s Allowance Supplement has made for carers across the country.

“The payment recognises the important role that carers play in our local communities and wider society. We have also recently widened eligibility for our Young Carer Grant, meaning even more unpaid carers in Scotland are benefitting from extra help.”

Paul Traynor, Head of External Affairs, Carers Trust Scotland, said: “Since its introduction, Carer’s Allowance Supplement has provided vital additional support to unpaid carers in Scotland, helping to recognise the invaluable contribution they make to their cared for people and communities.

“With over one million payments made and hundreds of millions of pounds delivered, this supplement has helped ease financial pressures for thousands of unpaid carers.”

If a carer is eligible for December’s Carer’s Allowance Supplement payment but has not received a letter or payment by 15 December, they should contact Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222.

More than 300,000 children supported by Scottish Child Payment

Commitment to eradicating child poverty

Social Security Scotland’s Scottish Child Payment is supporting 322,230 children across the country, newly published figures show. 

Launched in February 2021, the Scotland-only benefit gives families with low incomes crucial financial support to help with the cost of raising children.

The weekly payment of £27.15 is paid every four weeks for every eligible child under the age of 16 within a household. 

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:   “Eradicating child poverty is the Scottish Government’s top priority and a national mission.

“This support is helping parents and carers with the essential costs of raising children and is contributing to lowering child poverty rates in Scotland compared with the rest of the UK.

“That progress is the result of our decision to invest in measures that directly support household budgets and improve the wellbeing of children.

“While we should recognise the positive impact this is having for thousands of families, we know there is still much more to do. One child in poverty is one too many, and we remain firmly committed to doing everything we can to support families and give every child the best possible start in life.

“Scottish Child Payment continues to be a central part of that mission, and these figures demonstrate why this support is so important to communities across Scotland.”

Caring for Carers: Young Carer Grant extended to 19-year-olds

Young carers up to age 19 will now receive Young Carer Grant following an expansion of the benefit delivered by Social Security Scotland.

The grant which was previously open to 16 to 18-year-olds is a Scottish only benefit that gives young carers a yearly payment of £390.25.

The payment can be used to pay for whatever the young person wants – like driving lessons, tech to help with work or study or new clothes.

The grant is available to young people who spend at least 16 hours a week caring for someone who receives a disability benefit.​ It is available to young people who are in education, employed or out of work.

Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Young Carer Grant recognises the important contribution that young carers make, and I’m proud that we’re able to extend eligibility further to include 19-year-olds.

“Young carers often miss out on activities enjoyed by other people their age – Young Carer Grant provides some support towards helping them do the things they like outside of their caring responsibilities.

“I would encourage young carers across the country to check their eligibility and to see what other support is available to them.”

Millie is 19 and cares for her mum and older sister in Fort William.

She said: “I was told about the Young Carer Grant through our community link worker and was able to apply for it when I was 16, 17 and 18 which was very beneficial towards my driving lessons and car insurance.

“It’s absolutely brilliant that Young Carer Grant is up to the age of 19 now. It will definitely benefit a lot of young adult carers who don’t receive any financial benefits.”

Young Carer Grant has been available to young carers in Scotland since 2019.

Applicants must have been caring for one or more people for an average of 16 hours a week for at least the last three months. If they care for more than one person, they can combine the hours of the people they care for to average 16 hours a week.

A total of 4,135 Young Carer Grant payments were made in the 2024/25 financial year. This is the highest number of payments in a financial year since the grant’s launch. (Young Carer Grant statistics 2024/25)

Young carers providing care for 35 hours a week or more may be entitled to Carer Support Payment. Young Carer Grant is not available to people who already receive Carer Support Payment.

To find out more about social security support for unpaid carers and to check eligibility, visit mygov.scot/carers 

Information on other support, such as financial support, wellbeing support and short breaks from caring, can be found at Help if you’re a carer – mygov.scot 

Social Security Scotland: Supporting pensioners to heat their homes

People of State Pension age will receive Pension Age Winter Heating Payment from Social Security Scotland this winter.

Pension Age Winter Heating Payment has replaced the Winter Fuel Payment for people in Scotland. Eligible people will receive a payment of between £101.70 and £305.10

Payments will start from November this year and will be made into the same bank account as someone’s State Pension or Social Security Scotland benefit. 

Most people will receive the payment automatically – no action is needed.  

Pensioners with a taxable annual income over £35,000 will have the payment taken back through their tax code or Self Assessment Tax return by HMRC.   

Shareable resources are available for those who support people of pension age.