The Scottish Government has brought together a wide range of financial support, grants and benefits on its cost of living support website to help people struggling with everyday expenses.
The online hub includes information on help with heating bills, supermarket costs, rent, Council Tax, travel and childcare, alongside benefits administered by Social Security Scotland. There are also links to online benefit calculators which can help to identify unclaimed payments alongside a wider range of health and wellbeing information.
Below is an overview of the main types of help available on the Cost of Living Support Scotland website. Local councils may also be able to help if you need urgent help with money, food or energy bills.
Help with heating and energy bills
Support is available for some households struggling with energy costs through schemes including Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, Winter Heating Payment, Warm Home Discount, energy supplier hardship funds, fuel vouchers and local support schemes.
Pension Age Winter Heating Payment has replaced Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland and is administered by Social Security Scotland. Winter Heating Payment is a one-off payment of £62 that has replaced Cold Weather Payments in Scotland.
Some households may also qualify for extra help through local councils or charities if they are struggling to top up prepayment meters or pay arrears.
Scottish Welfare Fund and disability support
People on low incomes facing emergencies may be able to apply to the Scottish Welfare Fund. The scheme can provide Crisis Grants for emergencies, Community Care Grants, help replacing essential household items, and support after emergencies such as floods or domestic abuse. The grants do not need to be repaid.
Several disability benefits are available through Social Security Scotland, including Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment and Pension Age Disability Payment. These benefits are designed to help with extra costs linked to long-term health conditions or disabilities. As of April 31 this year, more than half a million people were receiving Adult Disability Payment in Scotland.
People with mobility difficulties may also qualify for a Blue Badge, free bus travel or other transport support. A full guide to disability benefits available in Scotland can be found on MYGOV.SCOT.
Help for families, housing and travel
Families may be able to access support including Scottish Child Payment, Best Start Grants, Best Start Foods, school clothing grants and free school meals. Scottish Child Payment is now worth £28.70 a week for each eligible child under 16. This will see families receive £112.80 every four-week payment period during the 2026/27 financial year.
People struggling with rent or Council Tax costs may be able to get Council Tax Reduction, Discretionary Housing Payments, Housing Benefit, or help through local councils. Discretionary Housing Payments can help people facing rent shortfalls or benefit cap pressures.
Some people in Scotland may qualify for free travel through the National Entitlement Card scheme. Free bus travel is available for everyone aged 60 and over, disabled people meeting qualifying rules, and all under-22s living in Scotland.
Debt advice and checking eligibility
Free advice is also available for people worried about debts, bills or rising living costs. Support organisations listed through the Scottish Government website include Citizens Advice Scotland, StepChange, MoneyHelper and local council welfare teams.
The Scottish Government is urging people to check whether they qualify for support even if they have previously been turned down or never claimed benefits before. Many schemes have different eligibility rules and some forms of support depend on household income, disability status or caring responsibilities. Full details can be found on the Cost of Living Support Scotland website.
