Publication - Research and analysis

Take-up rates of Scottish benefits - 2026

Published: 21 October 2026
From: Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing, +3 more … Director of Social Security, Director of Tackling Child Poverty and Social Justice, Director-General Communities and External Affairs
Directorate: Tackling Child Poverty and Social Justice Directorate, +1 more … Social Security Directorate
Topic: Cost of living crisis
ISBN: 9781807756758

This publication contains our latest estimates of take-up of Scottish benefits delivered by Social Security Scotland.

Part of

Social security: policy research and evaluation

Supporting documents

Annex B: Regional Take-up Maps

Regional choropleth map of Scottish Child Payment take-up in Northern Scotland in 2025-26. Estimates range from 93% to 96% among the local authorities shown.

Regional choropleth map of Scottish Child Payment take-up in Southern Scotland in 2025-26. Estimates range from 95% to 98% among the local authorities shown.

Regional choropleth map of Scottish Child Payment take-up in Central Scotland in 2025-26. Estimates range from 93% to 98% among the local authorities shown.

Regional choropleth map of Best Start Foods take-up in Northern Scotland in 2025-26. Published estimates range from 76% to 88% among the local authorities shown. Island authority estimates are omitted because recipient numbers are below the reporting threshold.

Regional choropleth map of Best Start Foods take-up in Southern Scotland in 2025-26. Estimates range from 81% to 88% among the local authorities shown.

Regional choropleth map of Best Start Foods take-up in Central Scotland in 2025-26. Estimates range from 78% to 88% among the local authorities shown.

Contact

Email: ceu@gov.scot

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