Scottish Welfare Fund provides ‘vital lifeline’: Jeane Freeman

A quarter of a million Scottish households use welfare safety net

More than 254,000 individual households have been given grants totalling £132.6m to help them through difficult times since the Scottish Welfare Fund scheme began in April 2013. This fund comprises Community Care Grants and Crisis Grants. Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman said the Fund is a ‘vital lifeline’ and urged Westminster to halt the ‘chaotic’ roll-out of Universal Credit. Continue reading Scottish Welfare Fund provides ‘vital lifeline’: Jeane Freeman

Families in crisis: 230,000 Scottish households supported by Welfare Fund

The Scottish Welfare Fund is helping low income households through difficult times, with grants totaling £116 million allocated since the scheme was established. Latest figures show that during the first six months of 2016/17, £18.1 million has been awarded to households in need; this is £2.1 million more than was awarded during the same period last year. Continue reading Families in crisis: 230,000 Scottish households supported by Welfare Fund

Thousands of struggling Scots aided by crisis fund

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More than 200,000 low income households have received grants to help them through difficult times, thanks to the Scottish Welfare Fund. New figures show that since the scheme was set up in April 2013, £97.9 million worth of grants have been given to nearly 204,000 households in Scotland. Continue reading Thousands of struggling Scots aided by crisis fund

The worst of times: 60,000 Scots families receive emergency aid

£81 million support for Scots in crisis

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More than 178,000 vulnerable households, including around 59,000 families with children, have received essential help to buy everyday products like nappies, food and cookers through the Scottish Welfare Fund. Continue reading The worst of times: 60,000 Scots families receive emergency aid

Sharp rise in applications for welfare

New figures show 135,000 households have received help

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The number of applications to councils for welfare assistance rose by 13 per cent in the last year, according to the latest statistics.

Scottish Welfare Fund statistics to 31 December 2014 show that during the most recent quarter (October to December 2014):

  • 23,715 Crisis Grants were awarded, 10 per cent more than the same quarter last year. These were predominantly for food, heating costs and other living expenses, with an average award value of just over £70;
  • 12,290 Community Care Grants were awarded, 15 per cent more than the same quarter last year. These were predominantly for home furnishings and white goods, with an average value of just under £600.

Welfare Minister Margaret Burgess said: “Scottish Welfare Fund grants are a vital lifeline for people in crisis. Since the Fund launched in April 2013, 135,000 households have received help to buy everyday items and with basic living costs including eating and heating. It’s so important that we continue to reach out and that’s why we are making £33 million available this year to the Scottish Welfare Fund to help low income households.”

In April 2013, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) abolished two elements of the Social Fund – Community Care Grants and Crisis Loans – and transferred funds previously spent on them to Scottish Ministers. In its place, the Scottish Government established the Scottish Welfare Fund (SWF). The Scottish Welfare Fund is a national scheme run by local authorities, based on guidance from Scottish Ministers. The guidance has been developed in partnership with COSLA, local authorities and other stakeholders.

Since the scheme began in April 2013 nearly 135,000 households have received at least one award from the Scottish Welfare Fund. Around 55 per cent of households in receipt of funds were single person households with no children. Around one third were households containing children. During the first nine months of 2014/15, 72 per cent of Scottish Welfare Fund budget has been awarded.