Crisis Grants from the Scottish Welfare Fund

A crisis grant is there to help if you’re in an emergency or dealing with a disaster and need money for short-term essentials. Don’t worry – getting a crisis grant won’t affect any other benefits you’re getting.

This grant is for one-off situations, not regular income, and is meant to stop serious harm to you or your family.

Who Can Get It?

You might be able to get a crisis grant if:

You’ve gone through a disaster like a fire or flood.
You’re in an emergency, like facing an unexpected expense, or you’re stuck somewhere and can’t get home.
You need help to stay safe because of the costs caused by the disaster or emergency.

You’ll need to be:

16 or older.
On a low income or getting benefits.
Unable to get help from anywhere else.

What Can It Pay For?

The type of help you get depends on what’s happening and how it’s affecting you or your family. You could get money, or support like a fuel card, vouchers, or furniture.

They only provide for things that are a high priority and urgently needed, especially if:

Your need is serious and can’t wait.
You or your family are in a vulnerable situation.
The help will make a big difference to your health, safety, or wellbeing.
Not getting help would have serious consequences.

How to Apply

You can apply online or check if you qualify here Capacity – Dumfries & Galloway If you’ve already started an application, you can go back and finish it.

If online isn’t your thing, you can:

Visit a customer service centre anywhere in Dumfries & Galloway to apply, find one closest to you here: Customer Service Centres – Dumfries and Galloway Council
You can call Dumfries & Galloway Council on 030 3333 3007

And then this for the Discretionary Housing Payment

Discretionary Housing Payment is for people that get Housing Benefit or Universal Credit but still find it hard to pay their rent.

How to qualify:

You may be entitled to receive this payment if you receive Housing Benefit or Housing Costs within your Universal Credit claim and any of the following apply:

You have an extra bedroom and are affected by the bedroom tax
Your benefits are restricted due to the Benefit Cap
There is a non-dependent in the house
The income of the household is low
There are Local Housing Allowance restrictions
Your housing benefit has been restricted

How to apply:

You apply online via your local council, the link for Dumfries and Galloway Council is here Discretionary Housing Payment – Dumfries & Galloway

The reason you need extra help with your rent
Evidence to support your need for extra help
Proof of what you spend each week and any debts
Your signature