Benefits and Scottish Government support to reduce inequality
Most social security benefits are paid by the UK Government. Benefits are provided through the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP).
Since 2016 (The Scotland Act 2016), the Scottish Government have been able to make additional social security payments. Social security payments are provided in Scotland by Social Security Scotland.
Social Security Scotland benefits include:
- disability benefits - Adult Disability Payment and Child Disability Payment
- carer benefits - Carer鈥檚 Allowance Supplement and Young Carer Grant
- heating benefits - Child Winter Heating Payment and Winter Heating Payment
- (Note: Cold Weather Payments are not paid in Scotland)
- Bereavement Support Payment 鈥 financial support to those who qualify when someone dies in the family
The Scottish Welfare Fund is also available to provide support to those over 16 years and who are on a low income and getting certain benefits. Applications are made through local councils. There are two funds:
- Crisis Grants - helps with unexpected emergencies
- Community Care Grants - provides financial support for people who care for others
Many Social Security Scotland payments are targeted towards helping children and their families.
Benefits for people under 16 years include (all rates for 2023):
- Scottish Child Payment鈥- 拢100 every four weeks to help towards the costs of looking after each child under 16, for families who get certain benefits
- A range of Best Start grants e.g. Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment鈥 one off payment of up to 拢707.25 from 24 weeks in pregnancy up until a baby turns 6 months for families who get certain benefits
What is the Baby Box?
Every baby born in Scotland is entitled to a Baby Box which is full of essentials. The box also become a safe sleep space for babies. The box includes items such as: clothes, thermometer for the baby and the bath, books, and a comforter. Over 97% of parents who received one rated it as 'very' or 'fairly good'.
Free School Meals
In Scotland, all children up to primary five are entitled to a free lunch. Older children and young people are also entitled to free school meals if their parents are entitled to certain benefits including Universal Credit.
In 2022, the Scottish Government said free school meals saved families around 拢400 per child over the year. The Scottish Government also provides school clothing grants. (Source: Scottish Government)
Free Bus Travel for young people
Young people under the age of 22 years and people over 60+ years are eligible for free bus travel.