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Pension Credit can also bring Council Tax Reduction and Winter Heating Payments.
Check Pension Credit
All the help for older people in Edinburgh, on one page.
Why this page? In Edinburgh the council handles most of this, and Transport Scotland runs the bus pass. We've put it on one page.
Pension Credit can also bring Council Tax Reduction and Winter Heating Payments.
Check Pension CreditWho handles this: City of Edinburgh Council. Each council runs its own scheme.
Yes. You can apply if you own your home, rent, are unemployed or working.
Usually, if you have £16,000 or more you can't get it, unless you or your partner get the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit.
Last checked 12 Oct 2026
Apply for Council Tax ReductionA community care grant and a crisis grant. You do not pay either back.
The council puts people first if they have an immediate need, are vulnerable because of old age or ill health, or would face serious harm without the grant.
Who handles this: City of Edinburgh Council.
No. Neither grant has to be paid back.
We could not confirm whether a grant can help with heating. Ask the Scottish Welfare Fund team on 0131 529 5299: can a grant help with heating costs?
16 or over, and on a low income or getting benefits such as Pension Credit or Universal Credit.
Last checked 12 Oct 2026
Apply to the Scottish Welfare FundIt is the National Entitlement Card. You apply at getyournec.scot or through the council.
Who handles this: Transport Scotland runs the scheme. City of Edinburgh Council takes applications.
60, if you live in Scotland.
Yes. Free at any time of day, for any number of journeys, on local and long-distance buses in Scotland.
Only if you're disabled and need a companion. The 60+ card on its own doesn't include one.
Not earlier than 14 days before your 60th birthday. If you cannot apply online, you can apply at a library.
Last checked 12 Oct 2026
Apply for a bus passWe could not confirm the local Blue Badge timings. Ask the City of Edinburgh Council how long an application takes and when to renew.
Who handles this: City of Edinburgh Council.
Your council should tell you why. You can ask them to reconsider.
We could not confirm when to renew. Ask the City of Edinburgh Council: when should I reapply for a Blue Badge?
Last checked 12 Oct 2026
Get free help with your Blue Badge application
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Every fact here comes from an official page, linked next to it: City of Edinburgh Council, GOV.UK, Transport Scotland and the NHS. We checked every link and quote on 12 Oct 2026. Where we could not confirm something, we give you the number to call and what to ask.
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