Welcome to Scotland: a guide for service personnel and their families moving to Scotland

Benefits and Social Care

We have lots of help available for accessing benefits and social care in Scotland. More information about some of the support services is below.

Your local council

Many local councils have welfare rights advisers who can help you with problems surrounding benefits or your eligibility. You can find your local council by typing in your postcode at www.gov.uk/find-local-council

Citizens Advice Scotland

You can find information on benefits and other issues like housing, debt and employment at www.cas.org.uk/bureaux or 0808 800 9060.

Turn to Us

Turn to Us can provide support if you are suffering financial hardship you can find further information at https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Your-Situation/Member-of-the-Armed-Forces-Veteran

Macmillan Cancer Support

Macmillan advisers offer benefits advice for people affected by cancer. Filter the search results to 'benefits advice services and search for your local area' at www.macmillan.org.uk/in-your-area/choose-location.html or 0808 808 00 00.

Department of Work and Pensions (DWP)

The DWP is responsible for most welfare, pensions and child maintenance policy. They deal with the administration of a range of working age, disability and ill-health benefits.

As part of the Armed Forces Covenant, the DWP has initiatives that help current and former members of the Armed Forces and their families access Jobcentre Plus services. This includes having an Armed Forces champion in every Jobcentre Plus district who ensures that the DWP provides support that meets the needs of the Armed Forces community. See more information on the DWP and the Armed Forces at http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/jobcentre-plus-services-for-the-armed-forces-and-their-families

You will find further information on the Scottish Government's website at www.mygov.scot/benefits