1. Table of contents

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a benefit for people on a low income who are in or out of work. You can apply for Universal Credit if you are aged 18 years or over and under pension age. (Some exceptions for 16/17 year olds)


Income Support

Income Support is being replaced by Universal Credit and only applicable to the person if currently in receipt of this benefit.


New Style Job Seekers Allowance

New Style Job Seekers Allowance is a benefit for people aged between 16 or over and under pension age, unemployed or working less than 16 hours per week and who are seeking work. (Only applicable if you have had previous employment)


New Style Employment Support Allowance

New Style Employment Support Allowance is a benefit for adults aged between 16 or over and under pension age whose ability to work is limited through ill health or disability.


Adult Disability Payment

Adult Disability Payment is a benefit for people who have a physical or mental disability and need help taking part in personal care tasks or find it difficult to get around. ADP is available for adults aged 16-64.


Carers Allowance

Carers Allowance is a benefit that can be paid to people aged 16 years or over, who regularly spend at least 35 hours per week caring for someone who is disabled.


Carers Allowance Supplement

Carers Allowance Supplement is an extra payment from the Scottish Government to carers in Scotland who are receiving a full or partial Carer's Allowance payment from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).


Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit is a benefit to help with rents costs. This is being replaced by Universal Credit.


Council Tax Reduction

Council Tax Reduction help towards your council tax bill and is only applicable where there is liability.


Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP)

Discretionary Housing Payment is a benefit for people who need further financial assistance in order to meet their housing costs.


Warm Home Discount

You could get money off your electricity bill for winter under the Warm Home Discount Scheme.


Winter Heating Payment

The Winter Heating Payment helps people on low income benefits who might have extra heating needs. Social Security Scotland pays this to people living in Scotland.


Pension Credit

Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges.


Funeral Support Payment

The Funeral Support Payment is a payment available to people who are on certain benefits or tax credits, and need support to meet the cost of a funeral.


Scottish Welfare Fund - Crisis Grant

The Scottish Welfare Fund - Crisis Grant is a grant to meet an urgent need that poses an immediate and substantial risk to health and safety of a person(s). It can help provide access to essential items such as food and energy supply (electricity or gas).


Scottish Welfare Fund - Community Care Grant

The Scottish Welfare Fund - Community Care Grant is a grant to help people remain in the community or move back into the community or help ease exceptional pressure. It can help provide access to a wide range of basic household items.