Benefits for working age people

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs. It’s paid monthly - or twice a month for some people in Scotland.  You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income, out of work or you cannot work, and your capital/savings are below £16,000.

Find out more about Universal Credit.

New Style Employment and Support Allowance

If you are ill or have a health condition or disability that limits your ability to work, you may be able to get New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

New Style ESA is a fortnightly payment that can be claimed on its own or at the same time as Universal Credit (UC).

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.

Find out more and apply for New Style Employment and Support Allowance.

New Style Jobseekers Allowance

If you’re unemployed or work less than 16 hours a week you may be able to get New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA).

New Style JSA is a fortnightly payment that can be claimed on its own or at the same time as Universal Credit.

New Style JSA is a contribution-based benefit. Normally, this means you may be able to get it if you’ve paid and/or been credited with enough National Insurance (NI) contributions in the 2 full tax years before the year you’re claiming in.

If you qualify, you can get New Style JSA for up to 182 days. After this your work coach will talk to you about your options.

If you qualify for both New Style JSA and Universal Credit, any New Style JSA you receive will be taken into account as income for Universal Credit.

Find out more and apply for New Style Jobseekers Allowance.

Tax Credits

Find out more about Tax Credits. 

Tax credits: general enquiries.

Statutory Payments

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)

You can get SSP if you’re too ill to work. It’s paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks, if you are eligible.

Find out more and apply for Statutory Sick Pay.

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