Cost of living support

Universal Credit

You can apply for Universal Credit if you’re on a low income regardless of your employment status (employed, self-employed, if you are sick or a carer). Universal Credit can also top-up the other benefits depending on your situation. The amount you receive will depend on your individual circumstances, for example the number of people in your household, other income and savings you may have. Universal Credit applicants may also be eligible for an additional element to help with housing costs, i.e. your rent.

It's important to seek advice when considering applying for Universal Credit if you currently receive any other benefits such as Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance (Income Related), Jobseekers Allowance (Income Based), Tax Credits, Housing Benefit. Your current benefit will stop when you apply for Universal Credit and you will be unable to revert back to your original benefit. Please be aware that any amount you receive under Universal Credit could be lower than your current benefit.

Advice is available for anyone considering applying for the first time, from Citizens Advice Scotland‘s (CAS) Help to Claim service. Their trained advisers can guide you through the process, whether you’re looking for answers to quick questions or step-by-step support to make your claim. 

Find out more about Universal Credit or apply

Find out more about the CAS Help to Claim service

Statutory Sick Pay

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is paid to employees who are off work because of sickness for longer than three consecutive workdays. Some categories of employees are not eligible for SSP, so it’s always best to check the full qualifying criteria.

Find out more about Statutory Sick Pay

New Style Employment and Support Allowance (Contribution Based)

If you’re employed but you can’t work due to ill health, you’ll usually get SSP from your employer for 28 weeks. After that, if you are ill or have a health condition or disability that limits your ability to work you may be able to apply for New Style Employment and Support Allowance (Contribution Based) (NSESA(CB)).

Find out more about NSESA(CB) or apply

New Style Job Seekers Allowance (contribution based)

If you’re unemployed or work less than 16 hours a week you may be able to claim New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (Contribution Based) (NSJSA(CB)). You can apply for this on its own or at the same time as UC. If you qualify for both NSJSA(CB) and Universal Credit (UC), any NSJSA(CB) you receive will be taken into account as income for UC.

Find out more about NSJSA(CB) or apply

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 is separate from your State Pension.

Find out more about Pension Credit or apply

Pension Age Disability Payment

Pension Age Disability Payment is a benefit for individuals who have reached state pension age and require assistance due to a disability or long-term health condition. It now replaces Attendance Allowance for individuals living in Scotland. 

Find out more about Pension Age Disability Payment or apply