Emergency financial help

Under the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968, we have a duty to promote the welfare of people in our area. This includes providing help - usually as a loan - to people who have no other source of support and need urgent help with essential day-to-day costs.

This is sometimes called a Section 12 payment.

Who can apply?

To be considered for emergency financial help you must be aged 16 or over and have a community care need - for example, you may have a disability, be experiencing poor mental or physical health, or be homeless.

You must also be able to show that you have no other source of help. We will check with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) whether a Crisis Loan may be available to you, and you should also have tried to get support from family or friends before applying.

What can it be used for?

Emergency financial help can only be provided for essential items such as food, fuel, essential toiletries and essential travel - for example, a bus fare to get home, or in exceptional cases, a fare to return to your home area if you are visiting Orkney.

How is it provided?

If you meet the criteria, you will normally be offered a loan and asked to sign an agreement to repay it over a period of time or as a one-off payment. Very occasionally, and in particular circumstances, help may be given as a grant. Cash payments are not generally made - assistance is usually provided through a council order or shopping or fuel cards.

What if we cannot help?

If you have recently received DWP benefits or could get a Crisis Loan, we are not able to provide emergency financial help - this support is a last resort for those with no other options. We may also be unable to help if you do not meet the criteria, or if you have had previous loans that have not been repaid.

If you struggle with budgeting, we can refer you to the Citizens Advice Bureau or arrange an assessment to see if other support services might help you manage better.