Welfare and finances after Brexit (benefits, pensions and money)
The UK left the European Union on 31 January 2020. This process is often known as 'Brexit'.
The UK Government and the EU have now agreed a deal on their future relationship. From 1 January 2021 this new relationship with the EU will begin.
There will be effects on some areas of life in Scotland. This may include changes to benefits and pensions.
UK citizens living in Scotland
If you're a UK citizen currently living in Scotland, you should still have access to your benefits and pension as normal.
EU citizens living in Scotland
If you're an EU citizen currently living in Scotland, you should still have access to your benefits and pension as normal.
If you're an EU citizen currently living in the UK and you get benefits or a pension from a non-UK authority, you should contact that country's benefits and pension department for more information.
You will still need to apply for settled status before 30 June 2021 to keep living in Scotland, though. The EU citizens living in Scotland page gives the latest information on this, including details on how to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme.
UK citizens living in an EU country
If you're a UK citizen living in a EU country and getting benefits or a pension from a UK authority, you should still get your benefits and pension as normal.
You may still have to apply for the equivalent of settled status in that country to ensure your payments continue.
If you're a UK citizen living in an EU country and getting benefits or a pension from a non-UK authority, you should contact that country's benefits and pension department for more information.
If you've applied for the equivalent of settled status in that country your payments should continue.
GOV.UK has guidance for UK citizens living in EU countries.
Help with money
If you're struggling to make your money last there are services you can use to get help.
Find out how to get help with money, including dealing with debt and dealing with the stress that comes with it.
The Scottish Welfare Fund
The Scottish Welfare Fund helps families and people in Scotland who are on low incomes through Crisis Grants and Community Care Grants.
You can apply for a:
- Crisis Grant – if you're in crisis because of a disaster (like a fire or flood), or an emergency (like losing your money or an unexpected expense)
- Community Care Grant – to help you or someone you care for to start to live, or to carry on living, a settled life in the community
Find out more about the Scottish Welfare Fund.
More information
More details on benefits and pensions after Brexit will be added to this page as new information is available.
Meanwhile, there are a number of other sites you can check for updates:
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