Find out what benefits you may be entitled to

Better Off Calculator and Apply Once

You can use our ‘Better Off Calculator’ and ‘Apply Once’ form to check what benefits you can claim, how changes in your life may affect them, and to apply.

If you need assistance with the benefit calculator or to apply for benefits, you can contact the Welfare Team or your local Citizens Advice.

Better Off Calculator

You can use the Better Off Calculator to get an estimate of:

  • the benefits you could get
  • how much your benefit payments could be
  • how your benefits will be affected if you start work or increase your hours
  • how your benefits will be affected if your circumstances change - for example, if you have a child or move in with your partner

What the calculator covers

The calculator will check entitlement for:

  • Housing Benefit under Universal Credit
  • Carers Support Payment
  • Child benefit
  • ADP / PADP
  • Council Tax Reduction
  • Contributory / New Style JSA or ESA
  • Carers Allowance Supplement (Scotland)
  • Scottish Child Payment

What you will need

You will need accurate information about your:

  • savings
  • income, including your partner’s income (from payslips, for example)
  • existing benefits and pensions (including anyone living with you)
  • outgoings (such as rent, mortgage, childcare payments)
  • Council Tax bill

Calculate your benefit entitlement

Apply for benefits with Apply Once

Apply Once allows you to apply for multiple benefits and grants with a single application. You can apply for:

  • Housing Benefit
  • Council Tax Reduction
  • Second Adult Rebate
  • Council Tax discounts and exemptions
  • Free School Meals
  • School Clothing Grant
  • Discretionary Housing Payments
  • Disablement Band Reduction
  • Garden Aid
  • Parking permit

Apply Once

Page last modified: 9 April 2026

Welfare support

Get in touch for free, confidential help and advice on benefits you might be entitled to, support with money matters and personal budgeting advice.

Telephone: 0800 090 1004

Citizen's Advice Scotland

Your local Citizens Advice Bureau can provide confidential advice on a variety of topics such as benefits and entitlements, debt and budgeting, and housing and employment

Telephone: 0800 028 1456