Social Security Scotland Local Delivery Update

Following advice from the Government to slow the spread of Coronavirus, Social Security Scotland staff are now working from home. This includes all Local Delivery staff. This has meant some disruption to our telephony systems and we are working to provide support by phone to those who need it. In the meantime, could you please direct everyone who would like to apply for our benefits to here We are continuing to process applications and make payments. If clients have already applied, we will write to them with the outcome of their application.

If the client is unable to do so, they can leave us a voicemail at our Freephone number 0800 182 2222 and we will arrange for a callback. Please protect this service for those that need it.

If a client does not think their application has been assessed correctly they can contact our Client Experience Team at clientexperienceteam@socialsecurity.gov.scot

Client can also now upload their evidence documents to support their application online here 

Carer's Allowance Supplement

The next two rounds of payments are:

  • £230.10 in June 2020 - you'll get this payment if you're getting Carer's Allowance on April 13th 2020
  • £230.10 in December 2020 - you'll get this payment if you're gettinng Carer's Allowance on October 12th 2020

Increase to Funeral Support Payment from April 2020

The rate of Funeral Support Payment expenses (funeral director fees, coffin, flowers, etc) will increase from £700 to £1,000 for all applications received from April 1st 2020. The Funeral Support Payment is made up of three seperate parts: burial or cremation costs; travel costs; and a standard rate for other expenses - and it is this element which is being increased.

Introduced in September last year, the Funeral Support Payment replaced the UK Government's Funeral Expense Payment in Scotland, greatly increasing eligibility. It is intended to help alleviate the burden of debt faced by those on low income benefits when paying for a funeral.

Please do not hesistate to get in touch if you have any questions or queries. It is expected that further updates will be provided in the coming weeks. If you need to contact the Dumfries and Galloway Local Delivery Team, please call 0734 179 0141 or email Yvonne.stewart@socialsecurity.gov.uk