In this section

Welfare benefits in Scotland

2 mins read

This advice applies in Scotland only.

Most of the benefits that families in Scotland can claim are UK-wide and claimed from either the Department for Works and Pensions or HMRC. However, some benefits are different in Scotland, and these are run by a new agency called Social Security Scotland.

New Scottish benefits

Social Security Scotland is responsible for an increasing number of Scottish benefits that don’t exist in the rest of the UK. This includes Child Disability Payment, which replaces new claims for Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

Another new benefit, Adult Disability Payment, replaces Personal Independence Payment (PIP), while a new Carer’s Assistance will replace Carer’s Allowance in Scotland.

Other differences

The Scottish government has negotiated certain changes to the way Universal Credit is paid in Scotland.

New rules introduced in September 2020 that see young people in Scotland continue to receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA) until they turn 18.

Browse benefits in Scotland

You can also read about financial support from councils in Scotland.

< Benefits & tax credits