Don’t Miss Out: Financial Help for Scots in 2026

As households across Scotland continue to feel the pressure of the cost-of-living crisis, many people may be missing out on vital financial support they are entitled to. Recently, the Scottish Government published a helpful guide to help people understand what support is available and how to check their eligibility.

Social Security Scotland now delivers 17 different benefit payments, offering assistance to families on low incomes, disabled people, pensioners, unpaid carers, and young people entering the workforce. Support is also available to help with heating costs and funeral expenses.

Key payments include the Scottish Child Payment. Families who receive Universal Credit or other qualifying benefits may be entitled to £27.15 per week for every eligible child under the age of 16, with no cap on the number of children who can benefit.

Disabled people and those with long-term health conditions may qualify for Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment, or Pension Age Disability Payment. Pension Age Disability Payment, which replaces Attendance Allowance, offers up to £110.40 per week to people aged 66 and over who need help with personal care or supervision to stay safe.

There is also support for unpaid carers. The Carer Support Payment, worth £83.30 per week, has replaced the Carer’s Allowance and is now available to more carers in full-time education. Additional support for those caring for more than one person is set to be introduced in March 2026.

The Job Start Payment is available to young people aged 16–24 who have been out of work for at least six months and are receiving a low-income benefit, offering a one-off payment of £319.80 to help cover the costs of starting a new job.

Advice Direct Scotland warned that millions of pounds in benefits go unclaimed each year and encouraged people to check their eligibility using a free online benefits calculator at www.benefits.advice.scot, or by calling 0808 800 9060.

Full details of each payment and the eligibility criteria are available through the links below:

To find out more about all Social Security Scotland payments, visit Benefits – mygov.scot.

You can also use online benefit calculators to see what you might be eligible for at Benefit calculators – mygov.scot.

Taking a few minutes to check what support is available could make a real difference.