Crisis grant
A Crisis Grant is a sum of money given by the Scottish Welfare Fund which can help you cover the costs of a crisis. The grant is tax free and you don’t have to pay it back.
A Crisis Grant is something you need:
- in an emergency
- because of disaster
Examples of this could include if:
- you need help to get food, nappies or essential toiletries
- you need help with heating costs
- there has been a fire or flood at home
- you are a victim of domestic abuse and need help moving away from an abuser
- you’ve unexpectedly lost income because of redundancy or a change at work
- you’ve lost money or you've had money stolen
In addition, the help you need must be:
- not available from anywhere else, and
- the only way to stop serious damage to you or your family's health and safety
If you have made a claim for Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits and you have not received a payment yet, before applying for a Crisis Grant you should:
- apply for a short term benefit advance - see the UK Government's Get an advance on your first benefit webpage for more information.
- apply for a Universal Credit advance payment - see the UK Government's Universal Credit webpages for more information.
- check if you are eligible for a Hardship Payment - see the UK Government's Recoverable Hardship Payments webpage for more details.
How to apply
You can:
- contact us on the details below to book a telephone appointment with the Scottish Welfare Fund team and you will be offered the first available appointment
- apply for a Crisis Grant through our online application form
We will make a decision on a Crisis Grant application as soon as possible. This will be by the end of the next working day after you apply.
If your application is successful and you have access to a mobile phone, a voucher will be sent by text. This can be redeemed anywhere that displays the PayPoint sign. Use the PayPoint store locator webpage to find your nearest one.
If you don’t have access to a mobile phone the assessor will arrange an alternative payment method.
If your application is unsuccessful and you don’t agree with our decision you can request a review. See our Scottish Welfare Fund review webpage for more details.
What happens if we are closed?
If you are in an emergency situation you should contact the Social Work out of hours service on 01896 752111.