Scottish welfare fund
Clients who need financial help after an emergency or an unexpected event, might be able to get a grant from the Scottish welfare fund. Grants are also available to help clients set up or maintain their home or to help families experiencing exceptional pressure.
There are two types of grant, crisis grants and community care grants. They are grants not loans so they do not have to be paid back. To be eligible claimants must have a low income or be unable to access their money. Usually claimants can only get a maximum of three crisis grants in any 12 month period. There are no limits on the number of community care grants they can get as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.
The Scottish welfare fund is a national scheme that is administered by local authorities. It is a discretionary scheme and councils may only be able to pay out high priority claims if the budget is running low. Grants can be paid in cash, in kind, or in pre-paid cards or vouchers.