I suddenly have no money

• Lost job / reduced hours
• Lost money / unexpected expense
• Disaster (e.g. flood or fire)
• Relationship breakdown
• Money stopped (e.g. failed a medical)
• Sanctioned*

See Option 1>   Option 2>   Option 5>   Option 6>

My money doesn't stretch far enough

• Deciding between food / fuel / mobile credit
• Low income or zero hours contract
• Statutory Sick Pay too low to cover costs
• Not sure if eligible for support
• Change of circumstance (e.g. new baby / bereavement / illness / left partner)

See Option 2>

I have debt

• Rent or Council Tax arrears
• Gas or electricity
• Credit or store cards
• Personal loans and overdrafts
• Owe friends and family
• Benefit repayments

See Option 3>

I am waiting on a benefit payment / decision

• Made a new claim for benefit
• Benefit payment is delayed
• Waiting for a benefit decision

See Option 1>   Option 4>

Option 1 - Scottish Welfare Fund

People on low incomes may be able to get a crisis grant from the Council. This is a payment to help you cope during an emergency or disaster, or due to unexpected expenses. Crisis grants do not have to be paid back (not a loan).

Find out how to get help >

Option 2 - Maximise your income

Anyone who is on a struggling financially can get a benefit check and speak to an advisor for free and confidential advice. A benefit check can ensure that you are receiving all the money you’re entitled to, especially if your circumstances have changed recently. Speaking to an advisor could also help with managing gas and electricity bills and make sure you’re not missing out on things like school clothing grants or free school meals.

Find out how to get help >

Option 3 - Debt advice

Debt can happen to anyone. Free advice and support can help you find ways to manage your debts and reduce how much you pay each month.

Find out how to get help >

Option 4 - Benefit advance

If you have made a new claim for benefit and are in financial hardship while you wait for your first payment, you may be able to get an advance to afford things like rent or food. It’s important to get advice before taking out an advance. Benefit advances must be paid back, and the money will be taken from your future benefit payments (a loan).

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Option 5 - Hardship payment

If you have been sanctioned, you may be able to request a hardship payment from the Jobcentre. Hardship payments are not always paid immediately, and they’re not available to everyone. Hardship payments of Universal Credit need to be paid back (a loan), but hardship payments of Job Seekers Allowance or Employment Support Allowance do not (not a loan).

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Option 6 - Challenge a decision

You can challenge a benefit decision if your benefit has been stopped / sanctioned / reduced / refused or you have been overpaid. Most benefit decisions need to be challenged within one month.

Find out how to get help >