Social Security Scotland

Social Security Scotland is an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government. It’s responsible for delivering Scottish Government benefits with dignity, fairness and respect.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and local authorities will also continue to deliver some benefits in Scotland. You can find information on Department for Work and Pensions benefits at gov.uk/benefits

Social Security Scotland currently deliver the following benefits:

• Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment
• Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment
• Best Start Grant School Age Payment
• Best Start Foods
• Carer’s Allowance Supplement
• Child Winter Heating Allowance
• Funeral Support Payment
• Job Start Payment
• Scottish Child Payment
• Young Carer Grant
• Child Disability Payment
• Adult Disability Payment
• Winter Heating Payment

How Do I Apply?

Visit Benefits and Grants at mygov.scot to apply online.

You can also call freephone on 0800 182 2222 (8am to 6pm Monday to Friday) to complete an application over the phone or to request a paper application form.

If you need in-person support, you can arrange to speak with a Client Support Adviser at a location and time that suits you.

This includes:

• at a venue in your local community
• at your home
• in a hospital or prison
• via video call
• telephone appointment

Client Support Advisers can answer queries about Social Security Scotland benefits, help you to complete online or paper application forms, offer other support such as identity and document verification and help with submitting change of circumstances information.

Client Support Advisers can also help refer people or provide information on other relevant services including the Scottish Government’s free independent advocacy service.

If you're a British Sign Language user, you can use the contactSCOTLAND BSL app to contact Social Security Scotland by video relay.