Welcome to Scotland: a guide for Service personnel and their families - updated 2023
Welcome to Scotland is a guide to support service personnel and their families upon their move to Scotland. Due to the moving nature of service personnel and their families they can be transferred to different bases. This booklet gives key information on what to expect when moving to Scotland.
Benefit 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.
Social Security Scotland
Social Security Scotland is an agency of the Scottish Government. They are responsible for the delivery of some low income, disability and carer benefits. Social Security Scotland currently delivers 13 benefits including Adult Disability Payment; Scottish Child Payment; Best Start Grants; and Winter Heating Payment. You can find out more about what benefits are delivered by Social Security Scotland here.
Local Delivery Service
Social Security Scotland offer a Local Delivery Service across every local authority area in Scotland. Staff are available to answer queries about Social Security Scotland benefits, help complete paper, telephone or online applications forms, and offer other support. You can request a telephone conversation, an online video call, or a face-to-face appointment at a location that would be convenient. You can find out more information about the support provided here.
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 here.
Citizens Advice Scotland
You can find information on benefits and other issues like housing, debt and employment here or 0808 800 9060. You can also request a meeting with a representative of Citizen's Advice Scotland.
Armed Services Advice Project (ASAP)
ASAP also provides dedicated information, advice and support to members of the Armed Forces Community in Scotland. The service is provided by the Scottish Citizens Advice Bureau Service, more information can be found here.
Turn to Us
Turn to Us provides support if you are suffering financial hardship. You can find information here.
Department of Work and Pensions (DWP)
DWP is responsible for most welfare, pensions and child maintenance policy. They deal with the administration of some 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 DWP provide support that meets the needs of the Armed Forces Community. See more information on the DWP and the Armed Forces here.
You will find further information on the Scottish Government's website.
Contact
Email: veteransunit@gov.scot
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