Other Benefits which may help
Universal Credit
You can claim Universal Credit (UC) if you’re on a low income regardless of your employment status (employed, self-employed, if you are sick or a carer). UC can also top-up the other benefits included in this leaflet, 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. UC claimants may also be eligible for an additional element to help with housing costs, i.e. your rent.
You can apply online at: www.gov.uk/universal-credit. Successful applicants will receive payment after 5 weeks. Advance payments are available if you need help with bills or other costs during this period.
Please note: It is important that you seek advice if you currently receive any other benefits (i.e. Income Support, ESA Income Related, JSA Income Based, Tax Credits, Housing Benefit) and are thinking about applying for UC. Your current benefit will stop when you apply for UC and you will be unable to reclaim your original benefit. Please bear in mind that any amount you receive under UC could be lower than your current benefit.
Help is available if you’re thinking about claiming UC for the first time. Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) can help. 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.
You can call the CAS Help to Claim service on 0800 023 2581 or visit the CAS website.
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More information about UC is available online Call the DWP Freephone helpline 0800 328 5644 |
Statutory Sick Pay
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is paid to employees who are off work because of sickness for longer than 3 consecutive workdays.
Some categories of employees are not eligible for SSP, so it’s best to check the full qualifying criteria.
If an employee is unable to work due to medical reasons for longer than 28 weeks, entitlement to SSP ceases, but the person may be entitled to Employment and Support Allowance. See next section for details.
To find out more about Statutory Sick Pay please speak to your employer.
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 claim New Style Employment and Support Allowance (Contribution Based) NSESA(CB). NSESA(CB) can be claimed on its own or at the same time as some other benefits, for example Universal Credit (UC). If you claim both benefits, your UC payment is reduced by the amount you get for NSESA(CB).
NSESA(CB) is a contributory benefit. Normally, this means you may be able to get it if you’ve paid or been credited with enough National Insurance (NI) contributions in the two full tax years before the year you’re claiming in.
You can also claim NSESA(CB) if you’re self-employed - the application process is the same. If you qualify, you can get NSESA(CB) for up to 12months, or indefinitely if assessed as having a serious health problem.
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Phone 0800 328 5644 and select option 2 |
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) (NSJSACB).
This can be claimed 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.
NSJSA(CB) is a contribution based benefit. Normally, this means you may be able to get it if you’ve paid and/or been credited with enough National Insurance (NI) contributions in the 2 full tax years before the year you’re claiming in.
If you qualify, you can get NSJSA(CB) for up to 182 days.
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Phone 0800 328 5644 and select option 2 |
Attendance Allowance
If you are over state pension age and need help with personal care or have an illness or disability, you may be able to claim Attendance Allowance (AA). You do not have to have someone caring for you in order to claim.
AA is paid at two different rates and how much you get depends on the level of care that you need. Any money you do receive does not need to be spent on your care.
The money you receive is not means-tested so your savings or income won’t affect your claim. If you are awarded AA, it can help you get other benefits such as Pension Credit (PC), Housing Benefit (HB), or Council Tax Reduction (CTR).
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Claim Attendance Allowance online or Phone 0800 731 0122 |
Pension Credit
Pension Credit (PC) gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over state pension age and on a low income. PC is separate from your State Pension.
PC comes in two parts: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit and you may be eligible for one or both parts. You may also be eligible if you have other income, savings or assets or own your own home.
By claiming Pension Credit, you may unlock other benefits too, such as help with health and housing costs.
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Claim Pension Credit online or Phone 0800 99 1234 |