More than 35,000 people across the Highlands received vital financial support this year through Scotland’s growing system of devolved benefits.
Between April 2024 and March 2025, over £127 million was paid out to residents in the Highland region by Social Security Scotland to help with the cost of living.
The support helped families and individuals cover essentials like food, energy and household needs during a time when many are still facing economic pressure.
Across Scotland, more than one million people received payments in the same period, with the total value now exceeding £6 billion since Social Security Scotland began in 2018.
The agency currently delivers 14 benefits on behalf of the Scottish Government, including a range of payments designed to support families, disabled people and carers.
Several benefits, such as the Scottish Child Payment, are unique to Scotland and reflect efforts to create a more compassionate system.
During the past financial year, over 960,000 people were supported across the country.
Among them were more than half a million disabled adults and children who received over £2.8 billion to help meet the extra costs they face.
One client receiving Adult Disability Payment said the support gives them breathing space to manage their mental health and improves their quality of life.
In the Highlands, thousands benefited from winter support too.
Payments to help people heat their homes reached the highest number of recipients, with over 468,000 people across Scotland receiving the Winter Heating Payment.
Nearly 40,000 children also received the Child Winter Heating Payment.
The Scottish Child Payment, which was extended to children under 16 over the past two years, supported over 200,000 young people and continues to be a powerful tool in tackling child poverty.
A parent described how it helps them provide for their children over the summer until wages increase.
Carer Support Payment, rolled out nationwide in November 2024, offered essential help to over 77,000 unpaid carers.
These are people who look after loved ones every day, often with little recognition and no financial return.
The growth and impact of these benefits reflect a broader shift toward putting dignity, fairness and respect at the heart of Scotland’s welfare system.
For thousands across the Highlands, it has already made a lasting difference.
