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The Scottish Welfare Fund provides two types of grant to people in financial crisis: a Crisis Grant for emergency needs (up to £500) and a Community Care Grant for essential household items (up to £1,500).
Amount
£1,500.00 per year
Frequency
One-off
Annual value
£1,500
Administered by
Local council (Scottish Government funded)
2026/27 Rate
£1,500.00 per year
Administered by
Local council (Scottish Government funded)
Paid one-off
The Scottish Welfare Fund provides two types of grant to people in financial crisis: a Crisis Grant for emergency needs (up to £500) and a Community Care Grant for essential household items (up to £1,500). Unlike a loan, these grants do not need to be repaid. Applications are made through your local council.
| One-off payment | £1,500.00 |
| Last updated | April 2026 |
England's equivalent is the Local Welfare Assistance scheme — but this is not funded nationally and provision varies dramatically by council; many English councils have cut or eliminated their local welfare schemes. Scotland's fund is nationally funded and available in all 32 council areas.
Apply through your local council — contact them directly or visit their website. The Scottish Welfare Fund is available in all 32 council areas.
Crisis Grants can sometimes be paid within 24 hours if urgent. Community Care Grants are typically paid within a few working days. Goods may be provided directly rather than cash in some cases.
Scottish Welfare Fund is £1,500.00 per year in 2026/27 following a 3.8% CPI uplift from April 2026. This is a one-off payment, not a recurring benefit.
Scottish Welfare Fund is administered by Local council (Scottish Government funded). Contact your local council or the relevant authority to apply.
England's equivalent is the Local Welfare Assistance scheme — but this is not funded nationally and provision varies dramatically by council; many English councils have cut or eliminated their local welfare schemes. Scotland's fund is nationally funded and available in all 32 council areas.
Crisis Grants can sometimes be paid within 24 hours if urgent. Community Care Grants are typically paid within a few working days. Goods may be provided directly rather than cash in some cases.
Use our Benefits Checker to see all Scottish benefits you may qualify for based on your income, family situation, and health needs.
Rates shown are for 2026/27 following the 3.8% CPI uplift from April 2026. Eligibility rules and payment amounts are subject to change. Always verify current rates and eligibility with Social Security Scotland (mygov.scot) or by calling 0800 182 2222. MoneySCOT is an independent information resource and is not affiliated with Social Security Scotland or the Scottish Government.