Scottish Welfare Fund - What is the Scottish Welfare Fund?

The Scottish Welfare Fund is made up of two types of grants which do not have to be repaid:

• Crisis Grants

• Community Care Grants.

Crisis Grants

Crisis grants can be given to people to cover the costs of an emergency, such as:

• A fire or flood.

• Needing to move away from domestic abuse.

• An unexpected change at work.

• Taking on responsibility for a child who needs your help, and you're waiting on a transfer of benefits.

• Needing help to get food or with heating costs. 

• An unexpected crisis.

Community Care Grants

Community Care Grants are for people who need a bit of help to be able to live independently.

They can be awarded to help:

• People leaving care facilities or prison to pay to set up their new home.

• People who might need to go into a care facility if they don't get some help.

• People setting up home in the community when they have been homeless.

• Families facing a lot of pressure and who don't have enough money to pay for the things they need to keep their children safe and secure.

• People who are caring for a prisoner or young offender who has been released.

• People who are escaping from domestic abuse.

• People who need money to protect a child's health.

Applies to: Scotland

Age rules: You must be aged 16 or over

Type of benefit: Means-tested

Administered by: Local authorities