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 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.

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. What is jobseeker's allowance? 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