Welcome to Scotland: A guide for Service personnel and their families in Scotland - updated 2024

Benefits and Social Care

We have lots of help available for accessing benefits and social care in Scotland. More information about some of the support services is below.

Social Security Scotland

Social Security Scotland is an agency of the Scottish Government. They are responsible for the delivery of some low income, disability and carer benefits. Social Security Scotland currently delivers 14 benefits including Adult Disability Payment; Scottish Child Payment; Best Start Grants; and Winter Heating Payment. You can find out more about what benefits are delivered by Social Security Scotland on the Social Security Scotland website.

Non-UK veterans, service personnel and their families from all Services can access advice from the Army Families Federation or Navy Families Federation’s foreign and commonwealth team on eligibility for benefits on discharge and following relationship breakdown. Contact Army Families Federation or Navy Families Federation’s qualified immigration advisors on fcsupport@aff.org.uk or immigration@nff.org.uk.

Local Delivery Service

Social Security Scotland offer a Local Delivery Service across every local authority area in Scotland. Staff are available to answer queries about Social Security Scotland benefits, help complete paper, telephone or online applications forms, and offer other support. You can request a telephone conversation, an online video call, or a face-to-face appointment at a location that would be convenient. You can find out more information about the support provided here.

Your Local Council

Many local councils have welfare rights advisers who can help you with problems surrounding benefits or your eligibility. You can find your local council by typing in your postcode on the gov.uk website.

Citizens Advice Scotland

You can find information on benefits and other issues like housing, debt and employment on the Citizens Advice Scotland website or 0808 800 9060. You can also request a meeting with a representative of Citizen’s Advice Scotland.

Armed Services Advice Project (ASAP)

ASAP also provides dedicated information, advice and support to members of the Armed Forces Community in Scotland. The service is provided by the Scottish Citizens Advice Bureau Service, more information can be found on the ASAP website.

Turn 2 Us

Turn 2 Us provides support if you are suffering financial hardship. You can find information on the Turn 2 Us website.

Department of Work and Pensions (DWP)

DWP is responsible for most welfare, pensions and child maintenance policy. They deal with the administration of some working age, disability and ill-health benefits.

As part of the Armed Forces Covenant, the DWP has initiatives that help current and former members of the Armed Forces and their families access Jobcentre Plus services. This includes having an Armed Forces champion in every Jobcentre Plus district who ensures that DWP provide support that meets the needs of the Armed Forces Community. See more information on the DWP and the Armed Forces on the gov.uk website.

You will find further information on the Scottish Government’s website.

Child Disability Payment and Adult Disability Payment

Child Disability Payment, the Scottish replacement for Child Disability Living Allowance (DLA), launched nationally in Scotland in November 2021. This payment is designed to mitigate some of the additional costs of caring for a child, or young person with a disability or terminal illness. You can find more information about Child Disability Payment on the mygov.scot website.

Adult Disability Payment, the Scottish replacement for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), launched across Scotland in August 2022. Adult Disability Payment provides support to people who have a disability or long-term health condition. You can find more information about Adult Disability Payment on the mygov.scot website.

Both Child Disability Payment and Adult Disability Payment are non means-tested, non-taxed, will rise with inflation and are a passport to other types of support, such as a Blue Badge, Housing Benefit, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit and exemption from the benefit cap.