Benefits
Which Baby & Child Benefits are Available to Parents in Scotland?
Baby week 2023 is here to celebrate, promote services and raise awareness about the importance of early childhood. Our Project Lead for Benefits at Advice Direct Scotland, Julie Murphy has collated some Baby & Child Benefits that you should be aware of. Maternity Pay Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is paid for up to 39 weeks. …
Which Baby & Child Benefits are Available to Parents in Scotland? Read More »
I’ve heard the Scottish Welfare Fund is distributing grants to people in need. How do I find out if I am eligible and how to apply?
The Scottish Welfare Fund provides a safety net for people on low incomes. Awards are made by individual local authorities and are discretionary. They are aimed to support people in need or in emergency situations. What should the grants be used for? There are two types of grants in the Scottish Welfare Fund: Crisis Grants …
I have young children and have been struggling to pay for basic necessities. Is there any further support available to me?
Child Benefit is available to anyone in Scotland who is a parent or responsible for bringing up a child. This benefit is not means tested, however if one of the parents earns over £50,000 they may be liable for a tax-charge. For 2023/2024, this payment is paid at a rate of £24 a week for …
I’m Currently receiving Universal Credit and Jobseeker’s Allowance but I’m still struggling with my bills and the cost of living. Are there any other benefits I could apply for?
Universal Credit, Jobseekers Allowance and State Pension benefits are available to eligible citizens across the UK. If you are currently receiving any of these but find you are still struggling with the cost of living, there are benefits exclusively available to Scottish residents which you may be entitled to. Who manages these benefits? Social Security …
I retired a few years ago and have been struggling on my state pension. It barely covers my outgoings, and I could be doing with some help. My energy bills are through the roof, and I can’t get through to my supplier to discuss with them. Can you offer any guidance?
There are sources of support available that can help you if you are struggling, and it is important to explore all avenues, including additional financial support you may be entitled to. Pension Credit is a means tested benefit that tops up the state pension for older people who have income that is below a certain …
I currently work part time, don’t make a lot of money and am struggling. I am in receipt of Tax Credits, but I’m not sure if I would be entitled to anything else. My daughter is five years old and starts school this year. Can you point me in the direction of any support I can apply for please?
There are a range of additional benefits and discounts that you may be entitled to. Even though you are working part time, based on the particulars of your circumstances, you may be entitled to apply for Universal Credit. What is Universal Credit? Universal Credit is an income-related benefit to help with your living costs, and …
In December, I cancelled a few of my direct debits to afford other things and put most of the household shopping on my credit card. I am struggling and just got the bill in for the card and reminder letters for the things I didn’t pay and am worried about what to do. Can you help?
It is good that you have reached out to discuss your worries in relation to your financial situation. By being open and honest about money issues, we can figure out a way forward and try to get back on track. Sometimes discussing the situation with the companies or organisations that we owe money to can …
I am a single parent with kids aged two and four, and I am struggling to get by. I can barely afford to keep the lights on – it was bad before, but it seems to have got much worse for me. I work part time and get very little support in terms of benefits. Can you help?
The cost-of-living crisis is having an impact on everyone, particularly those who were struggling before the prices of energy, goods, and services increased. The thing to remember is that you are not alone and there are sources of support that can help! Scottish Child Payment You may be entitled to Scottish Child Payment, which is …
