Benefits | Contact

Introduction to benefits

On this page we explain who can usually claim benefits, how they're paid, and when you should claim.

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Benefits calculator

Use theTurn2Us benefits calculator to find out what benefits and other sources of financial help you might be entitled to.

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The benefit cap

The benefit cap limits the total amount of benefits that an out-of-work family can receive, though some families are exempt.

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Ongoing benefit changes

The welfare benefits system is often subject to reform. We keep this page up-to-date with the changes that may affect the financial…

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Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is the main benefit for children under 16 with a condition or disability.

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Claiming DLA higher rate mobility

Specific rules allow some autistic children and those with severe learning difficulties to qualify for higher rate DLA mobility.

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DLA and other financial help

Read all about how getting DLA for your child impacts other financial help you might be entitled to.

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Tips on completing the DLA form

On this page we offer some general top tips on completing the DLA1A Child form.

Payment of DLA for a child in hospital

An outline of the rules for claiming DLA and some other benefits, for children in hospital and residential settings.

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Introduction to DLA videos

Watch our three short introduction videos to find out more about DLA – available in English, العربية, Polski, Soomaalida and Welsh.

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Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a new benefit for people of working age. It is paid both to people who are out of work…

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Universal Credit for young people receiving education

There are particular rules that prevent most young people in education from being able to get Universal Credit.

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Caring couples and Universal Credit

Asking for a couple providing care to be exempt from work-related requirements in their Universal Credit award.

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Backdating of the disabled child addition and carer element of Universal Credit

What you can do when the Universal Credit service refuses to backdate payments to the correct date.

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Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit to help with the extra costs of disability for adults aged 16 to pension age.

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Completing the PIP questionnaire

Advice on how to complete the PIP2 form in a way that best describes your child’s needs.

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Carer’s Allowance

Carer's Allowance is the main benefit for carers who provide at least 35 hours of care per week.

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Help with Council Tax & rates

Families with disabled children might be eligible for help paying your Council Tax bill, or help with rates in Northern Ireland.

Bedroom tax

An outline of the bedroom tax rules, including how it applies to families with a disabled child.

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Other benefits

There are a range of other benefits that families may be getting, depending on their circumstances.

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Child Disability Payment

Child Disability Payment is the main benefit for disabled children in Scotland, paid by Social Security Scotland.

Adult Disability Payment

Adult Disability Payment is a disability benefit for disabled adults aged 16 and over in Scotland.

Carer Support Payment and other carer support

Carer Support Payment is the main benefit for carers in Scotland.

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Young Carer Grant

The Young Carer Grant in Scotland is a lump sum payment made to 16, 17, 18 and 19 year old carers.

Best Start Grant

Best Start provides grants to low-income families with young children. You can only claim if you are on certain low-income benefits.

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Best Start Foods

Best Start Foods is a prepaid card that you can use to buy healthy foods for children under three.

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Funeral Support Payment

A Funeral Support Payment is a one-off grant for Scottish families to help meet the costs of a funeral.

Child Winter Heating Payment

Child Winter Heating Payment is an annual payment to help families with severely-disabled children pay their winter heating costs.

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Scottish Child Payment

Scottish Child Payment is a Social Security Scotland payment for low-income families.

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Challenging benefit decisions made by Scotland Security Scotland

What to do if you are unhappy with a decision that has been made by Social Security Scotland.

Benefits at 16

You may be able to continue claiming benefits for your child when they turn 16 or help them claim benefits.

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Changes in circumstances

Certain changes in circumstances can mean that the benefits you receive for your disabled child or for your family might change.

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Revisions, appeals & complaints

What to do if you're unhappy with the outcome of a benefit decision or displeased with how it was handled.

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Money & debt

Sources of financial support, help with extra costs and advice on dealing with debt.

In this section

Getting started

Introduction to benefits

Benefits calculator

The benefit cap

Ongoing benefit changes

Disability Living Allowance

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

Claiming DLA higher rate mobility

DLA and other financial help

Tips on completing the DLA form

Payment of DLA for a child in hospital

Introduction to DLA videos

Universal Credit

Universal Credit

Universal Credit for young people receiving education

Caring couples and Universal Credit

Backdating of the disabled child addition and carer element of Universal Credit

Personal Independence Payment

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Completing the PIP questionnaire

Carer’s Allowance and other benefits

Carer’s Allowance

Help with Council Tax & rates

Bedroom tax

Other benefits

Scotland-only benefits

Child Disability Payment

Adult Disability Payment

Carer Support Payment and other carer support

Young Carer Grant

Best Start Grant

Best Start Foods

Funeral Support Payment

Child Winter Heating Payment

Scottish Child Payment

Challenging benefit decisions made by Scotland Security Scotland

Benefits at 16 and other changes in circumstances

Benefits at 16

Changes in circumstances

Revisions, appeals & complaints

You might also be interested in…

Money & debt