Scottish Welfare Fund - overview

The Scottish Welfare Fund (SWF) helps people in crisis and people who need help to live independently. There are 2 types of grants:  

• crisis grants 

• community care grants. 

The grants are for people who don’t have any other way of paying for what they need. You must be on a low income and meet other eligibility rules.  

You apply to your local council for a grant. If you get a grant, you don’t need to pay it back. 

If you're on a low income, you might be able to get benefits to help with your living costs, rent or other housing costs. Read more about help for people on a low income. 

What are crisis grants

You might get a crisis grant if you need help: 

• because of an emergency or disaster

• to avoid serious damage or risk to the health and safety of you or your family. 

A crisis grant can cover: 

• living costs in an emergency – such as food and heating 

• emergency accommodation or travel 

• costs after a disaster – for example, household furniture. 

Read more about how to get a crisis grant.  

You might also be able to get emergency food from a foodbank in your area. More about foodbanks.  

What are community care grants

You might get a community care grant if: 

• you need help to live independently, or care for someone who does 

• you or your family are experiencing exceptional pressure. 

A community care grant can cover:  

• furniture or household equipment 

• travel costs 

• removal or storage costs 

• installation charges – for example, for a cooker or washing machine 

• connection charges for gas and electricity 

• repair of broken or faulty items or appliances. 

Read more about how to get a community care grant.