Benefits for Working Age Adults

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs if you are on a low income or out of work. It’s paid monthly, or twice a month for some people in Scotland.

If you don’t have enough to live on while you wait for your first payment you may be able to get an advance of your first Universal Credit payment.

You may be able to get Universal Credit if:

• you’re on a low income or out of work,
• you’re 18 or over (there are some exceptions if you’re 16 to 17),
• you’re under State Pension age (or your partner is),
• you and your partner have £16,000 or less in savings between you, and
• you live in the UK.

Tax Credits ended on 5 April 2025.  You will  have to claim Universal Credit instead.  

Letters were issued to existing claimants called a Universal credit Migration Notice from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) explaining what you’ll need to do, and by when.

 Jobseekers Allowance

You cannot apply for Jobseekers Allowance any longer.  It has been replaced by Universal Credit.

You may be able to apply for ‘new style’ JSA.

New Style JSA is a contribution based benefit. Normally, this means you may be able to get it if you’ve paid enough National Insurance (NI) contributions, usually in the 2 full tax years before the year you’re claiming in. National Insurance credits can also count.

Statutory Sick Pay

You can get Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if you’re too ill to work.  It’s paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks. You need to qualify for SSP and have been off work sick for 4 or more days in a row (including non-working days).

To qualify for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) you must:

• be classed as an employee and have done some work for your employer
• have been ill for at least 4 days in a row (including non-working days)
• earn an average of at least £125 per week
• tell your employer you’re sick before their deadline - or within 7 days if they do not have one

Employment Support Allowance

You cannot apply for Employment Support Allowance any longer.  It has been replaced by Universal Credit.

You may be able to apply for ‘new style’ ESA.

New Style ESA is a contributory benefit. Normally, this means you may be able to get it if you’ve paid or been credited with enough National Insurance contributions in the 2 full tax years before the year you’re claiming in.

Personal Independence Payment

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can no longer be claimed if you lilve in Scotland.  You would claim Adult Disability Payment instead.

You must be aged 16 or over and have not reached State Pension age to claim. You must also have a health condition or disability where you:

• have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months
• expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months.
• There are different rules if you are terminally ill with less than 12 months to live.

Adult Disability Payment

Adult Disability Payment is extra money to help you if you have a disability, long-term health condition or terminal illness that affects your everyday life. This can be claimed even if you are in work and your income and savings are not taken into account.

You can apply online or by telephone on 0800 182 2222.

If you need more support, you can also ask Social Security Scotland for an appointment with their Local Delivery service.

You must be aged 16 or over and have not reached State Pension age to claim. You must also have a health condition or disability where you:

• have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both)

You do not need to apply for Adult Disability Payment if you already get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for adults from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit can help you pay your rent if you’re unemployed, on a low income or claiming benefits. It has been replaced by Universal Credit for most people.

You can only make a new claim for Housing Benefit if either of the following apply:

• you have reached State Pension age
• you’re in supported, sheltered or temporary housing

If other cases, you’ll need to claim Universal Credit instead.

Council Tax Reduction

Council Tax Reduction can help you pay your council tax if you’re unemployed, on a low income or claiming benefits.

You could be eligible if you’re on a low income or claim benefits. Your bill could be reduced by up to 100%. You can apply if you own your home, rent, are unemployed or working. If you live in West Dunbartonshire you can claim online.

Council Tax Discounts & Exemptions

You may qualify for a discount or exemption dependent on your circumstances.

Discount or Exemption may apply in the following circumstances:

• You are treated as being the sole adult in the household,
• All occupants are classed as 'disregarded persons', i.e. severely mentally impaired, 
• Your home has been adapted for a disabled person, or
• Your property is empty.

Carers Allowance

You could be eligible for extra money if you care for someone on a regular basis.  

You must:

• care for someone at least 35 hours a week, 
• earnings are £196 or less a week after tax, national insurance and expenses, and
• the person you care for get certain benefits.  

It can't be paid at the same time as some taxable benefits but can increase entitlement to other benefits.  It can also affect the benefits of the person you look after.  Seek advice before claiming.

Help with NHS Health Costs

You may qualify for help if you receive certain benefits or are on a low income. 

You can pick up the HC1 form for the Low Income Scheme, available from community pharmacies, GP practices, Citizens Advice Bureau and Jobcentre Plus offices.