Start the conversation about financial support available in Scotland

Author
Karyn Dunning | Deputy Director for Low-Income Benefits and Operational Improvement, Social Security Scotland

If you know someone who might be eligible for support, we encourage you to start the conversation with them, so they can check what benefits they could be entitled to.

Three family payments support parents, carers and children from pregnancy until they turn 16 years old.

Best Start FoodsOpens in a new window helps families with the cost of healthy foods throughout pregnancy, until their child turns 3.

Best Start GrantOpens in a new window payments provide support when pregnant or after the baby is born, when a child is of nursery age, and when a child is first old enough to start primary school.

Scottish Child PaymentOpens in a new window is paid every four weeks to support low-income families for each child under 16.

Eligibility varies depending on the payment and the child's age. 

Young people and care leavers who’ve recently secured a new job could be eligible for Job Start PaymentOpens in a new window 

Job Start Payment is a one-off payment of £331.95 that can help with the cost of starting a new job including traveling to work, childcare costs, or buying new clothes. A higher rate of £531.10 is available for people who are the main carers of children.

People can apply for the payment up to six months after the date of their job offer. Social Security Scotland urge people to check if they might be eligible for Job Start Payment and to apply today.

Social Security Scotland also delivers payments for disabled people including Child Disability PaymentOpens in a new window, Adult Disability PaymentOpens in a new window and Pension Age Disability PaymentOpens in a new window. People with a terminal illness diagnosis can apply via a fast-tracked route. Carers can apply for Carer Support PaymentOpens in a new window and Young Carer GrantOpens in a new window

Funeral Support PaymentOpens in a new window has helped thousands of people who have had to pay for a funeral. It is available to eligible people in Scotland who need assistance after someone has died. It can be used towards funeral costs for a baby, a child or an adult. The payment also includes stillborn babies. It can cover the costs of burial or cremation as well as transport and travel and other administration costs.

To check eligibility and apply for benefits, please visit mygov.scotOpens in a new window Alternatively, you can get in touch by post or over the phone by calling Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222. People can also apply in-person with one of our Client Support Advisers based in each local authority area.

Information in other languagesOpens in a new window is available and an interpreter can be arranged if people need support to apply for benefits.