I suddenly have no money
If your income has stopped or dropped suddenly, it can be hard to cover essential costs like food, rent or bills. This might be because:
- you have lost your job or had your hours reduced
- you have had an unexpected expense or lost money
- you have experienced a disaster, such as a flood or fire
- your relationship has broken down
- your benefits have stopped, for example after a medical assessment
- you have been sanctioned
What support is available
Scottish Welfare Fund
You may be able to get a crisis grant from the council if you're on a low income. This payment helps with emergency or disaster costs and does not need to be paid back.
You can get further advice from our Welfare Support Team, Citizen's Advice Scotland, and Scottish Welfare Fund - contact details are provided on this page.
Maximise your income
If you are struggling financially, you can get a free benefit check and speak to an adviser. This helps make sure you are getting all the money you're entitled to, especially if your circumstances have changed. An adviser can also help you find cheaper deals on gas and electricity and save money on things like school clothing grants or credit unions.
Check what benefits you may be entitled to
You can receive further advice from our Welfare Support Team and Citizen's Advice Scotland - contact details are provided on this page.
Hardship payment
If you have been sanctioned, you may be able to request a hardship payment from the Jobcentre. Hardship payments for Universal Credit must be repaid. Payments for Jobseeker’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance do not need to be repaid.
You can receive further advice from our Welfare Support Team and Citizen's Advice Scotland - contact details are provided on this page.
Challenge a decision
You can challenge a benefit decision if your benefit has been stopped, sanctioned, reduced, refused or overpaid. Most decisions must be challenged within one month.
You can receive further advice from our Welfare Support Team and Citizen's Advice Scotland - contact details are provided on this page.