Benefit Take-Up Strategy 2026-2031
Scotland’s Benefit Take-up Strategy 2026-31 aims to ensure people get the financial support they are entitled to through a more accessible and joined-up system. The strategy focuses on increasing awareness, access and take-up to reduce poverty and improve wellbeing.
4. Our ambition for 2031
Our ambition is for Scotland to have a more joined-up, proactive and accessible approach to benefit take-up, helping people realise their rights and access the support they are entitled to when they need it.
This means moving from a system that relies on people navigating complexity themselves to one that identifies need earlier, connects services more effectively and provides support before financial pressures escalate.
Benefit take-up is not a standalone activity. It is central to reducing poverty, improving financial wellbeing and delivering more preventative public services by helping people access their full entitlements across devolved, reserved and local support.
What success looks like for the people of Scotland
By 2031, we want the people of Scotland to experience the following outcomes:
People understand their rights and know what support they are entitled to. Individuals are aware of the assistance available to them and can recognise when they may be eligible for support.
People know where and how to access the support they are entitled to. Clear information, trusted advice and effective signposting ensure that people can easily find the help they need.
People feel safe, respected and confident accessing support. Social security is understood as a right, with services designed around dignity, fairness and respect, free from stigma and unnecessary barriers.
People access support without needing to navigate complex systems alone. Services work together more effectively, with trusted referral pathways, lawful information sharing and joined-up support that reduce fragmentation and confusion.
People get the right support at the right time. Earlier identification of need, stronger partnerships and more proactive approaches mean that people are connected to support before problems escalate.
People experience a faster, simpler and more predictable application journey. Processes are accessible, proportionate and easy to understand, making it easier for people to apply for and receive the support they are entitled to.
These outcomes provide the foundation for the priority areas set out in this Strategy.
Contact
Email: Tasneem.Irshad@gov.scot