The Scottish Welfare Fund was introduced from the 1 April 2013 as part of changes to the UK Government’s Social Fund scheme. As a result of these changes, crisis loans and community care grants which were formerly managed by the Department of Work and Pensions have now stopped. The new replacement fund consists of crisis grants and community care grants and will be delivered locally by Glasgow City Council based on guidance from the Scottish Government.
| • | Crisis Grants can provide you with a safety net in the event of a disaster or emergency. |
| • | Community Care Grants can help you to leave care and live on your own, or to continue living in your own home. |
The Scottish Welfare Fund is a discretionary scheme and provides grants that do not have to be repaid.
Click for more information on Glasgow City Council’s Scottish Welfare Fund Scheme
Applications for Scottish Welfare Fund Grants can be made by telephoning the council’s Grants Services team on 0141 276 1177, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Or you can apply online for a Scottish Welfare Fund grant.
Or apply by post to: Glasgow City Council, PO Box 26816, G2 9AF
Continuing DWP Benefits
DWP will continue to offer support to people waiting for their first payment of benefit and who, in the absence of any other financial support, need an advance of that benefit to tide them over until the benefit is in payment. DWP will also continue to provide Budgeting Loans for those on income related benefits and Budgeting Advances for those on Universal Credit.
The DWP will still deal with certain payments including:
| • | Sure Start maternity grants |
| • | funeral payments |
| • | cold weather payments |
| • | winter fuel payments |
| • | budgeting loans (these will be known as budgeting advances under universal credit) |
| • | short-term advances of benefit |
If you would like to apply for any of the continuing DWP benefits please contact the DWP directly on 0845 603 6967.
Advice and support
If you need further advice regarding changes to the welfare benefits system contact GAIN (Glasgow Advice & Information Network) phone 0808 801 1011 to speak to someone about your situation.