Other benefits, grants and loans
This content applies to Scotland only.
Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. This page applies to Scotland only. Get advice relating to England
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to claim benefits to help increase your income. This section has more information about benefits, and about grants and loans that may be available for specific housing costs. It also looks at financial help for specific groups of people, including students, parents, care leavers, disabled people and young people, and has advice on getting help to pay for heating.
Claiming benefits can be complicated, so it's a good idea to get advice from a Citizens Advice Bureau or other advice centre. Details of local advice agencies can be found in the Advice Services Directory. You can also use our jargonbuster to help you work out what different benefit terms mean.
You can find out what benefits you maybe entitled to by using the benefit adviser, then use the online calculators at the EntitledTo website to work out how much you're likely to get. Turn2us is another useful website that can help you work out what you can claim.
About benefits and tax credits
How are benefits calculated and what do you need to do to apply? This page explains the basic facts about benefits. Read more 
Applying for benefits
Whatever kind of benefit you're applying for, always make sure you follow these rules. Read more
Jobseeker's allowance
If you are unemployed, you can claim jobseeker's allowance. Read this page to find out how. Read more
Income support
Income support is intended to ensure that no-one's income is below a certain minimum amount. This page explains who is eligible to apply. Read more
Pension credit
Pension credit is intended to make sure that no one over the age of 60 has to live below a minimum income level. Read more
Tax credits
If you are over 16 and on a low income, you can apply for tax credits, which are paid by the Inland Revenue. Read more
Other benefits
Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to claim other benefits. Read more
Community care grants
Community care grants are designed to help people on income support, jobseeker's allowance or pension credit who need extra financial help to live independently. Read more
Budgeting loans
A budgeting loan can help you spread the cost of essential items over a more manageable period. You may be eligible for a loan if you are claiming income support, jobseeker's allowance or pension credit. Read more
Crisis loans
In an emergency, you can apply for an interest-free crisis loan to cover the cost of essential items that you can't afford on your regular income. Read more
