• Crisis Grants – these grants are to meet an urgent need that poses an immediate and substantial risk to health and safety. These grants can help provide access to essential items such as food and energy supply (electricity or gas).
• Community Care Grants– these grants are to help people remain in the community or move back into the community or help ease exceptional pressure. These grants can help provide access to a wide range of basic household items.

How are awards made?

Depending on the type of grant required we may use vouchers or ask ournominated suppliers to provide items on our behalf.

Who can apply?

You can apply if you:

• live in the Falkirk Council area
• are legally resident in the UK
• are aged 16 and over
• are on a qualifiying benefit e.g. Income Support or low income
• do not have any access to other appropriate sources of financial support
• are subject to a sanction or disallowance by the DWP and have had your benefit reduced as a result as you may be considered for a Crisis Grant until you can arrange a hardship payment

Who can't apply?

• Anyone who does not live in the Falkirk Council area
• Anyone who lives in a care home, is in hospital or prison without a discharge date in the next 8 weeks

Are there exceptions?

Because the Scottish Welfare Fund is a discretionary scheme, Assessment Officers will consider all applications to take account of individuals circumstances to ensure there is no substantial risk to health and safety.

What happens if I do not qualify for a grant or my application is refused?

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 review. You need to apply 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.