Crisis and community care grants

The Scottish Welfare Fund gives one‑off grants to people on a low income in South Lanarkshire. These grants help if you are facing an emergency or need support to live independently. You do not need to pay the money back.

Crisis grants

For emergencies when you need immediate help, such as money for food, heating or other essential daily costs.

Community care grants

To help you live safely and independently, such as when you are leaving care or hospital, or trying to stay out of care.

We assess every application based on your personal circumstances.

Who can apply

You can apply if you:

• are aged 16 or over
• live in, or plan to live in, South Lanarkshire
• are on a low income

In most cases, applicants will receive one of the following benefits, but this is not a requirement:

• Universal Credit
• Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit or Savings Credit)

Who cannot apply

You may not qualify if you:

• are waiting on a Department for Work and Pensions benefit decision
• have had three crisis grants in the last 12 months, unless circumstances are exceptional
• applied for the same item in the last 28 days and nothing has changed

Other help available

Support and guidance on benefits, debt and financial wellbeing is available using the links below.

Benefit calculator

Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction application

Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP)

Universal Credit

Social Security Scotland - Benefits

DWP - Budgeting Loans

DWP - Short term benefit advance

Money Matters Advice Service

Money is not the only problem