Scots urged to check if they are entitled to thousands of pounds in benefits

Scots are being urged to check if they are entitled to thousands of pounds worth of benefits in 2025.

Social Security Scotland said people, including unpaid carers, disabled Scots and those on low incomes, may be able to access cash they did not previously know about.

The organisation is encouraging people who think they may be eligible for financial help to use an online benefits checker or to get in touch with it directly.

Social Security Scotland delivers 15 benefits controlled by the Scottish Government.

These range from the Funeral Support Payment for people on low incomes who lose someone close to them, to the Job Start Payment for young people getting back into work.

Support is also available for people who are disabled, terminally ill or who have a long-term health condition.

The 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 whether someone is in work or has savings.

In Aberdeen, Argyll and Bute, the Highlands, Orkney, and Shetland, disabled people also have the option of applying for Pension Age Disability Payment.

In the rest of the country, older disabled people can apply for Attendance Allowance from the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions.

Changes to the benefits system also mean that the Pension Age Disability Payment will be replaced with the Attendance Allowance in the spring.

Social Security Scotland said support for unpaid carers is already available nationwide. The 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.

Meanwhile, teenagers who spend 16 hours or more a week caring can apply for the Young Carer Grant – a payment of around £380 that 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.

The Scottish Child Payment provides around £106 every four weeks to parents getting certain benefits who have children under the age of 16.

Parents can also get a monthly Best Start Foods payment to help buy healthy food. The payment is available from pregnancy until the child turns three.

Three other Best Start Grants are available and provide money at key stages of a child’s early life.

David Wallace, chief executive of Social Security Scotland, urged people to check whether they are eligible for any of the payments.

He 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. Independent advocacy organisation VoiceAbility can be contacted on 0300 303 1660.