Getting Started news in 2024
5 stories, newest first.
- November 2024
Carer Support Payment rolled out nationally
Carer Support Payment, Scotland's replacement for Carer's Allowance, became available across all 32 council areas on 4 November 2024 after a year of pilot rollouts.
Winter Heating Payment replaces Cold Weather Payment in Scotland
Scotland's Winter Heating Payment has replaced the DWP Cold Weather Payment, paying £58.75 automatically to people on qualifying low-income benefits, with payments expected each February.
- September 2024
2024 MIS report published with first full rebase of all household budgets in the same year
The Centre for Research in Social Policy at Loughborough University has published the 2024 Minimum Income Standard, rebasing budgets for every household type in the same year for the first time since 2008.
- August 2024
Essential expenditure section amended following Ofgem energy price cap announcement
The Accountant in Bankruptcy has amended section 6.8 of its Common Financial Tool guidance on essential expenditure after Ofgem's energy price cap announcement, changing the evidence threshold for gas and electricity spending.
- February 2024
Best Start Foods amendment regulations come into force in Scotland
Scottish regulations amending Best Start Foods came into force on 26 February 2024, setting the basic weekly rate at £4.95 and widening eligibility to partners, dependants and children under three.