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Scottish Welfare Fund (Crisis Grants and Community Care Grants)

Local Scottish councils (statutory scheme)

Description

Scotland's national statutory equivalent to England's Household Support Fund/Crisis and Resilience Fund — a distinct scheme with its own legal basis, administered locally by every Scottish council rather than a single national body. Crisis Grants cover urgent short-term needs (emergency food, fuel, clothing); Community Care Grants cover longer-term needs (furniture, white goods) for people leaving care or setting up a home.

Amount

Crisis Grants typically £40–£100; Community Care Grants vary by item and need — commonly low hundreds, but can reach £1,000–£2,500+ for larger needs such as furnishing a home after leaving care

Deadline

Rolling / no fixed deadline

Eligibility summary

  • Available in: Scotland.
  • Open to individuals — not restricted to businesses.
  • Relevant income bands: earning under the Personal Allowance.
Notes
Not affected by England's 31 March 2026 Household Support Fund → Crisis and Resilience Fund transition — this is a separate, long-running Scotland-wide scheme. Crisis Grant decisions are typically made within 1 working day; Community Care Grant decisions within 15 working days. Every Scottish council administers this locally — search '[your council] Scottish Welfare Fund' for your area's application page.
Requirement
Aged 16+, on a low income (existing benefit receipt is not required), and with no other means of meeting the need.

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How to apply

Apply via your local Scottish council's Scottish Welfare Fund page (link is Glasgow's as a verified example — search your own council).

View official source

Last verified: 19 August 2026. See the footer disclaimer — this is general information, not financial or tax advice.