Scottish Welfare Fund
The Scottish Welfare Fund is aimed at providing assistance for people on benefits, or considered to be on a low income. The Council administers the fund on behalf of the Scottish Government and provides two types of grant:
Crisis Grants
Providing a safety net in the event of a disaster or emergency. A Crisis Grant may help if you are:
- In crisis because of a disaster like a fire or flood, or an emergency such as losing all your money or having to visit a sick child in hospital.
- Need help with costs that have arisen as a result of the disaster or emergency, to keep you and your family safe from harm. If you qualify for a Crisis Grant, the help you receive will depend on the particular difficulties you face. You may be given money or another form of support, for example, a voucher, fuel card, travel ticket or furniture.
Community Care Grants
Providing help to leave care and live on your own, or to continue living in your own home. A Community Care Grant may help if you:
- Are about to leave care to live on your own in the community, for example after being in hospital or in prison, or face going into care because you don’t have the things you need to continue living at home. A Community Care Grant may also be able to help if you are struggling to provide a safe and secure home for your family.
- Need help to get essential household items like a cooker or washing machine but don’t have the money to buy it. As with the Crisis Grant, if you qualify for a Community Care Grant the help you receive will depend on your circumstances. You may be given money or you may receive support another way, for example, a voucher, fuel card, travel ticket or furniture.
How to apply
To find out if you are able to get a Crisis Grant or Community Care Grant and to make an application, you should the Council’s Scottish Welfare Fund team on 01856873535, extension 2260, direct dial on 01856886312 or via email to the Scottish Welfare Fund team.
You can also download the Scottish Welfare Fund Application Form from the 'Related Links' section of this page.
Review of decisions
If you have applied for a Crisis Grant or Community Care Grant and remain unhappy with the outcome of your application you may ask for a review of that decision.
You can download guidance on the review process from the 'Related Sites' section of this webpage.
Arrangements – Christmas and New Year
The council’s offices will close at 17:00 on Tuesday 24 December 2019, and re-open at 09:00 on Friday 3 January 2020. During this time, you will not be able to apply for a crisis grant from the Scottish Welfare Fund. However, if you require assistance in a crisis on 27, 30 and 31 December 2019 between 09:00 and 13:30, you can contact the duty social worker on 01856886470. Otherwise please telephone 01856888000 and ask to be put through to the council’s duty social worker.
Additional Information
More information relating to the Scottish Welfare Fund is available from the 'Related Links' section of this page. This includes a link to the Scottish Government's Scottish Welfare Fund webpage, including further guidance notes and Frequently Asked Questions.
