Getting a Community Care Grant

You can apply for a Community Care Grant if you’re on a low income and need extra money to live independently. You do not need to pay the money back.

You’re eligible if you’re 16 or over and on a low income. You do not have to be getting any benefits to get the grant.

What you can use the grant for

You could get a grant if you need help:

• moving into a settled home after being homeless

• leaving care or remaining out of care

• leaving prison or caring for someone who's left prison

• leaving domestic abuse

The grant can pay for things like:

• clothing, furniture and bedding

• white goods for your home, such as a fridge or washing machine

• connection costs for utilities, like gas and electricity

• costs of moving home

• costs of getting a new job

• certain travel costs, such as travelling to a hospital to visit someone

You may be given the things you need directly instead of money to buy them.

You cannot use the grant for rent or a deposit.

How to apply for a grant

Apply for the grant through your local council.

Check where to apply on mygov.scot.

Most councils will tell you their decision within 15 days. If it’ll take longer, the council should tell you when you apply.

If your application is refused

You can ask the council to review their decision. You should:

• write to the council within 20 days of the decision

• explain why you think their decision was wrong

• send the letter to the address on your decision letter

The council should let you know the outcome of the review within 15 days.

If you need help getting a review, contact a benefits adviser at Citizens Advice.

Other grants and money help

You could:

• apply for a Crisis Grant for help in an emergency

• search for grants in your area on Turn2Us

• check Citizens Advice for emergency help on a low income

If you get certain benefits, you could:

• apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment to help pay rent or a deposit

• apply for a budgeting loan or budgeting advance for unexpected costs – these are loans, so you'll need to pay the money back

For help with food:

• search for a food bank in your area with the Trussell Trust

• search the Independent Food Aid Network