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The Scottish Welfare Fund
Scotland’s equivalent of the Household Support Fund — two grants you never repay, the Crisis Grant and the Community Care Grant, run by your council.
Written by the benefitmoney.co.uk editorial team · Last reviewed 10 September 2026
Scotland does not use the Household Support Fund. Its equivalent is the Scottish Welfare Fund — two grants you never repay, run by your local council for people aged 16 or over on a low income or on certain benefits.
Crisis Grant
For an unexpected emergency — a fire or flood, losing your job, or another sudden event that leaves you unable to cover essentials such as food and heating. It is a grant, with nothing to repay.
Community Care Grant
To help you or someone you care for live independently — setting up a home after leaving care, hospital or homelessness, or staying in your own home rather than going into care. It can cover things like a cooker, a fridge, a bed or other essentials.
How to apply
You apply through your local council, not the Scottish Government. Councils decide the amount, so there is no fixed figure. Search your council’s site for “Scottish Welfare Fund”, or start from mygov.scot below.
Scottish Welfare Fund on mygov.scotSource: mygov.scot — Scottish Welfare Fund↗. Opened 10 September 2026.
Other Scottish help
- Best Start Grant — payments for a new baby and young children (see maternity grants).
- Pension Age Winter Heating Payment — Scotland’s version of the Winter Fuel Payment (see help with energy bills).
- Adult Disability Payment — Scotland’s replacement for PIP (see loans on PIP).
In England the equivalent is the Household Support Fund / Crisis and Resilience Fund.
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay the Scottish Welfare Fund back?
No. Both the Crisis Grant and the Community Care Grant are grants — there is nothing to repay.
What is the difference between the two grants?
A Crisis Grant is for a sudden emergency; a Community Care Grant helps you live independently, such as setting up a home after leaving care or hospital.
How do I apply?
Through your local council. Councils run the fund and decide the amount; start from mygov.scot or search your council’s site for 'Scottish Welfare Fund'.
Does it affect my benefits?
No. A payment from the Scottish Welfare Fund does not reduce your other benefits.
Sources
- mygov.scot — Scottish Welfare Fund↗ (Crisis Grant and Community Care Grant; via local council; non-repayable). Opened 10 September 2026.
This page is independent. It is not run by the Scottish Government, Social Security Scotland or your council. Your council’s own page is the current position.