You appear to be using an unsupported browser, and it may not be able to display this site properly. You may wish to upgrade your browser.

We use cookies to collect anonymous data to help us improve your site browsing experience.

Click 'Accept all cookies' to agree to all cookies that collect anonymous data. To only allow the cookies that make the site work, click 'Use essential cookies only.' Visit 'Set cookie preferences' to control specific cookies.

Set cookie preferences

Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Help with benefits

Last updated
11 Nov 2021

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
Aberdeen City Council Aberdeenshire Council Angus Council Argyll and Bute Council Clackmannanshire Council Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) Dumfries and Galloway Council Dundee City Council East Ayrshire Council East Dunbartonshire Council East Lothian Council East Renfrewshire Council Edinburgh Council Falkirk Council Fife Council Glasgow City Council The Highland Council Inverclyde Council Midlothian Council Moray Council North Ayrshire Council North Lanarkshire Council Orkney Islands Council Perth & Kinross Council Renfrewshire Council Scottish Borders Council South Ayrshire Council South Lanarkshire Council Shetland Council Stirling Council West Dunbartonshire Council West Lothian Council

Citizens Advice Scotland

The advisers at your local Citizens Advice Bureau give information on benefits and other issues like housing, debt and employment. Find a bureau near you.

If you need to claim Universal Credit, Citizens Advice can support you in the early stages of your claim. Find out more about Help to Claim.

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 470 80 90 (24 hours)
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'.

Back to top