Help with benefits

Benefits calculators

Work out what benefits you could get with an online calculator.

How benefits are paid

Find out about how and when your benefits are paid.

Self-employment and Universal Credit

If you're self-employed, but on a low income or out of work, you may be able to get Universal Credit.

Money Talk Team

The Money Talk Team service offers free money and debt advice.

The service can help you understand what you’re entitled to and ways to save money.

It can help you find out:

what benefits and other financial support you may be entitled to
how you can manage debt
ways to save money on your outgoings

You can get more information on the Money Talk Team website or by calling 0800 028 1456. You can also visit your local Citizens Advice Scotland for in person support.

Benefit cap

The benefit cap is the limit on the total amount of benefit that most people aged between 16 and 64 can get.

Find out more about the benefit cap.

Budgeting Loans

A Budgeting Loan can help you pay for things like your rent, things you need at home and some debts.

Find out more Budgeting Loans.

Savings

You can also get help to save if you're on a low income.

Getting local benefits advice

If you need help with a benefits problem or cannot work out what you're entitled to, there are local organisations who can give you advice and support.

Your local council

Many local councils have welfare rights advisers who can:

tell you what benefits and other entitlements are available
carry out checks so you don't miss out on any benefits
help you complete forms
give advice and support if your application for a benefit is turned down or you do not get the amount you were expecting

Other help available

Contact Citizens Advice Scotland for independent support and advice. You can either:

call them free on 0808 028 1456
go to cas.org.uk
visit your local branch

Other organisations and services in your area might also be able to help you. Contact your local council to find out more.

Contact your local council

Shelter Scotland

0808 800 4444 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
Find a Shelter Scotland project near you for advice on benefits and other problems related to housing.

Age Scotland

0800 12 44 222 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
Get benefits advice for older people by visiting their website.

Turn to Us

This charity helps people in financial hardship find advice on benefits, housing, jobs and legal issues.

Macmillan Cancer Support

0808 808 00 00 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm)
Macmillan advisers offer benefits advice for people affected by cancer. Search for support in your local area and filter the search results to 'benefits advice services'.

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