The Scottish Government provide an online service for getting help with benefits in Scotland at https://www.mygov.scot/benefits-support/
Citizens Advice Scotland are also a good starting point. You can locate services in your area here: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/
If you are having problems, please give them a call as soon as you can. Citizens Advice Scotland are local, independent charities that provide free and confidential advice and information whoever you are and whatever your problem.
They can help you
They can help you to improve your financial situation
make sure that you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to
Their service is free, confidential, impartial and independent. They can answer most questions over the telephone, but can arrange a meeting if that would be better.
They will help you
They will help you claim the right benefits so you are getting all the money you can sort out problems with your claim appeal against a decision that you think is wrong
What kind of benefits can you claim?
You may be able to claim from a wide range of benefits. They can help you find which is right for you, for example:
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Child Benefit
- Child Tax Credit
- Council Tax Reduction Scheme
- Disability Living Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Income Support
- Industrial Injuries Benefit
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Personal Independence Payments
- Universal Credit
- Working Tax Credit
Getting some benefits entitles you to apply for more help
There are a variety of schemes which are designed to help people in receipt of benefits or on lower incomes.
- HEEPS: Warmer Homes Scotland
Warmer Homes Scotland is designed to help vulnerable people make their homes warmer and more comfortable by installing a range of energy saving measures. The Scottish Government is offering assistance to homeowners and private sector tenants struggling to heat their home, who have lived in their property for at least twelve months, and who meet the qualifying criteria. For more information about the scheme, and to check if you qualify, please contact Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 and an energy advisor will be happy to assist you. - Warm Home Discount Scheme
You could get money off your electricity bill for winter 2018 to 2019 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme. The money is not paid to you – it’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill, between September and March.
Need help filling out benefits forms?
The below organisations may be able to give you a hand filling out benefit forms.