Scottish Welfare Fund

What is the Scottish Welfare Fund?

The Scottish Welfare Fund provides grants to help people on a low income who find themselves in difficult situations. It has replaced elements of the Social Fund that used to be paid by the Department for Work and Pensions. 

The Fund is administered by local councils, in line with Scottish Government regulations. It can provide help as cash, goods, vouchers or travel tickets. This help does not have to be repaid.

There are two types of grant:

• Crisis Grants to help in an emergency or a disaster, normally for things like food, heating and urgent travel expenses
• Community Care Grants to help someone set up or maintain a safe home in the community, normally for things like cookers, beds and removal expenses

Applying to the Scottish Welfare Fund

Applications to the Scottish Welfare Fund are made through your local council, or the council for where you plan to live if you are moving areas. Each council has its own application process, but you will usually be able to apply online, by phone or using a paper application form.

You can apply for yourself, or on behalf of someone else if you have their agreement. If you need help to make your claim, you could ask for help from an independent advice agency, such as a Citizens Advice Bureau. You can also contact the Age Scotland helpline on 0800 12 44 222 for help finding support to claim.

Benefit Workshops

The benefits system is complicated. It can be difficult to work out what you are entitled to, and how to claim it. Find out more about joining one of our Benefit Workshops here.