The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) abolished the discretionary Social Fund from 1 April 2013.

 

It has been replaced by the Scottish Welfare Fund (SWF). This is a discretionary scheme administered by local authorities. A discretionary scheme means it provides grants that do not have to be repaid and provides a better service to vulnerable members of the local community.

 

There are two types of grants in the SWF:

 

 

A Crisis Grant aims to help people, on qualifying benefits, who are in crisis because of a disaster or an emergency. A disaster is something like a fire or a flood. An emergency can be when they have lost money or it was stolen. Crisis Grants award decisions will be made within 2 working days and there are a variety of methods available to support grant awards.

 

 

A Community Care Grant aims to help people on benefits who may have to go into care unless they get some support to stay at home. Or, if they are leaving any form of care and need help to set-up their own home. It can also help families facing exceptional pressures, with one-off items, like a cooker or a washing machine. Applications for Community Care Grants will be processed within 15 working days. Awards may be given for goods, services or by direct bank transfer.

 

Applications for Social Welfare Fund grants can be made by telephoning the Grants Services team on 0141 276 1177, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

 

 

Not all aspects of DWPs' Social Fund are being abolished. The following will continue to be dealt with by DWP:

 

Sure Start Maternity Grants

Funeral Payments

Cold Weather Payments

Winter Fuel Payments

 

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.

 

If you would like to apply for any of the continuing DWP benefits please contact the DWP directly on 0845 603 6967.

 

For free advice click here to search our database of advice centres across Glasgow or call the GAIN Helpline on 0808 801 1011.  Calls are free from land-lines and mobile numbers.