Support coping with rising living costs

People with disabilities

In this section you will find:

Disability benefits 

You can apply to Social Security Scotland for: 

Adult Disability Payment - a weekly payment if you have a disability or long-term health condition that affects your everyday life. Replaces the Personal Independence Payment in Scotland. 

Child Disability Payment - provides support for the extra costs that a disabled child might have. Replaces Disability Living Allowance in Scotland.  

Pension Age Disability Payment - can give you extra money if you have reached State Pension age and have care needs because of a disability or long-term health condition. Replaces Attendance Allowance in Scotland.  

You can apply to the Department for Work and Pensions for: 

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit - a weekly payment if you became ill or are disabled because of an accident or disease either at work or on an approved employment training scheme or course. The amount you may get depends on your individual circumstances.  

Employment and Support Allowance - a benefit for those whose illness or disability affects how much they can work. It provides financial support and can help with getting back into work if possible. ESA is available to those under State Pension age who have a disability or health condition that limits their ability to work.   

Access to Work – support or grants which can you get or stay in work if you have a physical or mental health condition or disability. Through Access to Work you can apply for a grant to help pay for practical support with your work, support with managing your mental health at work, and money to pay for communication support at job interviews. 

Independent living funds 

You could get extra funding if you’re disabled, live in Scotland, and need extra money to live independently. 

The funds come from the Independent Living Fund Scotland and are intended to support the extra costs of social care, enabling the recipient to live more independently in the community.  

You can apply for: 

  • Independent Living Fund – ensures that people with disabilities can purchase additional social care support to enable them to live independently in their communities. The recipient may be in receipt of a Self Directed Support Package.  
  • Transition Fund – helps young disabled people in Scotland with the transition after leaving school or children’s services. Open to people between 16-25. 
  • Transition Fund Technology Grant – to help disabled people aged 16 to 25 years get online 

Council tax reduction 

You may be entitled to a reduction on your Council Tax if you, or anyone else living in your home, has a substantial and permanent disability. 

Help with travel and transport costs 

Free Bus Travel for Disabled People - for eligible disabled people with a National Entitlement Card. 

Dial-A-Bus Midlothian - a reduced cost door-through-door service to major shops for people of all ages with limited mobility. Free for concessionary travel pass holders. 

Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme  - a Motability Scheme for those on the higher rate component of the Adult Disability Payment to lease a range of vehicles including cars, scooters, powered wheelchairs and specially adapted vehicles.  

Blue Badge Scheme - provides parking concessions nationally for people with a permanent and substantial disability, whether that person is the driver or a passenger. 

Local directories and advice services 

ForwardMid - Midlothian Directory for Disabled People and People with Long-Term Conditions. 

Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living (LCIL) - a Disability Advice and Information Service provides welfare benefits advice and support with a focus on disability-related benefits and information. 

Additional support and resources 

Related pages