Crisis Grants are to provide you with a safety net in the event of a disaster or emergency.
They do not need to be paid back.
How to apply.
Phone 01786 233210, You can apply online or complete a Scottish Welfare Fund application.
How do I qualify for a Crisis Grant?
To help people experiencing a disaster such as a fire or a flood.
To assist people who need help in an emergency such as having all their money stolen.
What can I get a Crisis Grant for?
Applications can be made for living expenses for essential items such as
- food
- heating costs
- nappies
- toiletries
- travel costs
- temporary accommodation costs (exceptional circumstances only)
If you have experienced a disaster then household goods may also be considered.
Grants are intended to meet one-off needs rather than ongoing expenses and may not be awarded if the applicant can access other resources to tide them over the crisis.
Circumstances where you will not be able to get a Crisis Grant
You will not get a Crisis Grant if one of the following applies:
- You have made a claim for a DWP benefit and the payment is delayed - you must apply for a Short-term Advance of benefit from the DWP instead by phoning 0845 608 8749.
- You have already received three grants. The number of awards that you can receive from all Scottish councils in any twelve-month rolling period will normally be limited to three. Any further awards within this period will be at the discretion of the council and will only be given in exceptional circumstances.
- You have already applied for the same item within the last 28 days.
What happens if I do not qualify for a grant or my application is refused?
There is a list of items which are excluded from the Scottish Welfare Fund giving details of alternative support that may be available to you.
There may also be other sources of support that you could get.
If you are unhappy with our decision, you have the right to ask the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) for an independent review. The SPSO is not part of the council.
You should ask the SPSO for an independent review within one month of receiving our decision. In some circumstances, you may be able to ask for a review after this. You should contact the SPSO for advice.
You can ask the SPSO for an independent review over the phone or in writing. If you prefer, they will send you a form in the post, or you can print it off their website or fill it in online.
If you are unhappy with the outcome of your application, you cannot appeal but you can ask for the decision to be looked at again. This is called a First Tier Review. You need to apply in writing for a review within 20 days of the decision. This time limit can be extended if it is accepted that you have good reasons for not applying on time.
- See Website: Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) Website
The SPSO can give you the information in other languages or formats (such as large print, SMS, audio or Braille). In some cases, the SPSO may be able to meet you in person.