Blog: Social security in 2022
The system of benefits and social security is always changing, so it’s a good idea to regularly check that you’re getting all you are entitled to.
Benefit rates increase a little every April, but with pressures on budgets from the cost of living it is more important than ever to make sure you have every penny you are due to help make ends meet. Many older people miss out on money that should be in their pocket.
The way some benefits are paid is changing. The Scottish Government is taking control of some entitlements, and these will be paid by Social Security Scotland. Social Security Scotland already pays Funeral Support Payment for help with funerals costs, and top-up payments of Carer’s Allowance Supplement for people who receive Carer’s Allowance. They also deliver benefits that are designed to reduce child poverty.
More changes are coming: Adult Disability Payment has already started to replace Personal Independence Payment in Scotland as the disability benefit for people who are working age and by next winter the Cold Weather Payment (paid automatically to people in a benefit like Pension Credit in very cold weather) will be replaced by Low Income Winter Heating Assistance.
Other benefits will be replaced over the next few years too, including Winter Fuel Payment, Carer’s Allowance and Attendance Allowance.
The rules and amounts won’t change much at first, as it is important that no-one’s income is interrupted as payments are transferred, but changes are expected later to make the benefits work better.
It can be tricky to find out what you are due, but Age Scotland is here to help. We provide:
Expert benefits advice from Age Scotland’s friendly helpline team, call freephone 0800 12 44 222, 9.00-5.00 Monday to Friday.
Information guides on our website and free to order through our online order form or by calling the helpline.
Our Check in Cash Out campaign that focuses on specific entitlements throughout the year, including carer’s rights, Attendance Allowance, energy, Pension Credit and Council Tax Reduction.
Free online Social Security workshops that provide an overview of entitlements for older people, and explain how best to complete an Attendance Allowance form.
