What is the Scottish Welfare
Fund?
From 1 April 2013, changes to the Social Fund scheme
meant that Crisis Loans for Living Expenses and Community Care
Grants stopped under that scheme. In their place is a new scheme
called the Scottish Welfare Fund. It is being delivered by local
councils and provides two types of grant:
• Crisis Grants - Providing you with a safety net in
the event of a disaster or emergency
• Community Care Grants - Helping you to leave care
and to live independently, or to continue living independently.
Crisis Grants
A Crisis Grant may help if you are in crisis because
of a disaster like a fire or flood, or an emergency such as being
robbed or burgled. It may help with costs that have arisen as a
result of the disaster or emergency, to keep you and your family
safe from harm. Usually you will be on benefits before you can get
a Crisis Grant.
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
A Community Care Grant may help if you are about to
leave care to live on your own in the community or face going into
care because you don't have the support you need to continue living
at home. A Community Care Grant may also be able to help if you are
a family facing exceptional pressures and need an essential item
like a cooker or washing machine but don't have the money to buy
it. Usually you will be on benefits before you can get a Community
Care Grant.
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 the Scottish Welfare
Fund
Contact your local authority and ask to apply to the
Scottish Welfare Fund. Every local authority in Scotland has a
section that deals with the fund. Most authorities accept
applications by phone or by post, and some also accept applications
online and/or by face to face contact.
Further information on the Scottish Welfare
Fund
The Scottish Government has pages of advice and
guidance about the Scottish Welfare Fund on its website. Go to
www.scotland.gov.uk and search for Scottish Welfare Fund.
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