Social Security Scotland provided £1.9 billion in financial support during the 2023-2024 fiscal year, covering 14 benefit programs. Among these, seven are exclusive to Scotland, emphasising the government’s tailored approach to addressing poverty and financial inequality.
Financial Highlights for 2023-2024
From April 2023 to March 2024, £942 million was allocated to the Adult Disability Payment (ADP), directly benefitting 374,655 disabled individuals. Another £463 million was distributed among low-income families through five payment schemes, including the Scottish Child Payment, which reached over 329,000 children.
The government also launched the Winter Heating Payment, set to provide £58.75 annually to 457,000 low-income households by February 2025. In total, Social Security Scotland, alongside the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), facilitated payments exceeding £5.2 billion, marking a significant investment in social welfare.
Exclusive Benefits and Payments: A Detailed Breakdown
Scotland offers unique financial programs unavailable elsewhere in the UK. These benefits cater to specific needs, such as disabilities, caregiving responsibilities, and heating costs.
Disability-related benefits
- Adult Disability Payment (ADP) : Offers up to £737 every four weeks for individuals with long-term illnesses or disabilities.
- Child Disability Payment : Replaces the DWP’s Disability Living Allowance, providing up to £737 every four weeks for children with disabilities.
- Pension Age Disability Payment : A phased replacement of the DWP’s Attendance Allowance, with payments of £290.60 or £434.20 every four weeks, based on the level of care required.
Family Support Payments
- Scottish Child Payment: Families receive £26.70 weekly per child, totaling £106.80 every four weeks.
- Best Start Grant Programs:
- Pregnancy and Baby Payment: Up to £754.65 for new parents.
- Early Learning Payment: £314.40 for children aged 2 to 3½ years.
- School Age Payment: £314.40 for children starting primary school.
Heating Assistance Programs
- Winter Heating Payment: A consistent £58.75 annually, replacing the DWP’s Cold Weather Payment.
- Child Winter Heating Payment: Increased to £251.50 annually for families with children on the highest rate of disability benefits.
Detailed Payment Summary
The table below provides a snapshot of key benefit amounts and their distribution schedules:
| Benefit | Amount (£) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Disability Payment | Up to 737 | Every four weeks |
| Scottish Child Payment | 26.70 per child | Weekly |
| Winter Heating Payment | 58.75 | Annually |
| Best Start Pregnancy Payment | Up to 754.65 | One-off |
| Young Carer Grant | 383.75 | Annually |
| Carer’s Allowance Supplement | 288.60 | Twice a year |
Enhanced Support for Carers and Young People
Carers receive substantial assistance through various programs. The Carer Support Payment, which replaces the DWP’s Carer’s Allowance, provides £81.90 weekly. Additionally, the Carer’s Allowance Supplement offers £288.60 twice a year to eligible claimants, ensuring better financial security.
Young carers aged 16–18 are entitled to a Young Carer Grant of £383.75 annually if they provide caregiving for at least 16 hours weekly. These measures recognise the critical roles carers play and aim to alleviate the financial burden associated with caregiving.
Supporting Vulnerable Groups With Dignity
Scotland’s devolved benefits are designed to address vulnerabilities with a focus on dignity and fairness. Programs such as the Scottish Child Payment and Adult Disability Payment directly combat economic inequality by ensuring consistent financial aid for qualifying individuals and families.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville stated: “We are committed to tackling poverty and supporting people throughout Scotland… ensuring people get the money they are entitled to.” This sentiment underscores the government’s determination to provide financial relief during challenging economic times.
Tackling Poverty Through Innovative Initiatives
Scotland continues to enhance its welfare framework, including the phased rollout of the Pension Age Disability Payment, which will fully replace the DWP’s Attendance Allowance by March 2025. This benefit offers tailored support for older individuals with disabilities, reflecting Scotland’s focus on inclusivity.
The draft Social Security (Best Start Grants, Best Start Foods, Funeral Support Payment, Scottish Child Payment and Winter Heating Payment) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2025 have been received from @scotgov and we will now begin our scrutiny process.
— Scottish Commission on Social Security (@TheSCoSS) December 16, 2024
Similarly, the newly introduced Job Start Payment, worth £503.10 or £314.45, supports young people entering employment after extended periods of unemployment. This initiative aids in bridging the financial gap between job-seeking and starting a new role.
