The Scottish Government is encouraging people to check that they are not missing out on funding to help them through the cost of living crisis, with 12 different benefits being administered by Social Security Scotland.
There are benefits available to help those who are struggling to make ends meet through the current crisis, with extra emphasis on those who are responsible for children under 16, those who are living with disabilities, carers, young people entering the workplace, those who need help to heat their homes, and those who need assistance with paying for a funeral. Four of these benefits are also already paid out to those who got other qualifying benefits.
Benefits that are paid automatically include the Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment and School Age Payment for those that are receiving Scottish Child Payments, as well as the Carer’s Allowance Supplement and the Child Winter Heating Payment.
Ben Macpherson, Minister for Social Security, said:
“January is traditionally a month where people find it harder financially than the rest of the year. This pressure can be more acute for people on low incomes or who face additional costs due to. Disability or ill-health condition. The cost of living crisis also means that people are facing difficult financial decisions day in and day out.
“We are committed to making sure that people are getting all of the money that they are entitled to. That is why we are making payments automatically where we can. Where people need to apply, we are working hard to promote these payments and make the process of accessing them as straightforward as possible.
“Social Security Scotland works with partners and through advertising to promote our benefits and our next campaign will Strat this month to encourage parents and carers to apply for Scottish Child Payment.
“People can apply for all our benefits online by phone, through the post or in person - whoever works best for them. We’ve designed the way we promote and deliver these benefits with the people who they are for to make sure that what we do works for them.
“We want people to talk with others they know about the support that is available. These payments are a shared investment in building a fairer society and no one should think twice about accessing what they are entitled to. Please look into what is available and apply if you think you could be eligible.”
The Scottish Government is also expecting the new Winter Heating Payment to be paid to around 400,000 people across Scotland, following its introduction in February 2023.
