Getting a Crisis Grant
You can apply for a Crisis Grant if you cannot afford essentials in an emergency. 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
A Crisis Grant can cover costs in an emergency, including:
food, clothing or heating costs
costs due to a fire or flood in your home
getting your gas or electricity reconnected
living expenses while you wait for a first benefit payment
travel expenses
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 2 days. If it’ll take longer, the council should tell you when you apply.
If you’ve received a Crisis Grant before
Unless your circumstances have changed, you usually cannot get:
more than 1 grant within 28 days
more than 3 grants within 12 months
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
For help with one-off costs, you could:
apply for a Community Care Grant to help pay for household items, clothing and moving costs
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:
Last updated: 7 May 2024
Housing laws differ between Scotland and England.
This content applies to Scotland only.