Worrying about money

I am waiting on a benefit payment or decision

If you are waiting for money from a benefit claim, it can be difficult to manage day-to-day costs. You might be:

  • waiting for your first payment after making a new claim
  • dealing with a delay in your benefit payment
  • appealing a decision about your benefits

What support is available

Scottish Welfare Fund

You may be able to get a crisis grant from the council if you are on a low income. This payment helps with emergency or disaster costs and does not need to be paid back.

Apply for a crisis grant

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.

Benefit advance

If you have made a new benefit claim and are in financial hardship while waiting for your first payment, you can ask for an advance to help with costs like rent or food.

Note that Benefit advances function as loans and must be repaid.

Apply for a benefit advance

You can receive further advice from our Welfare Support Team and Citizen's Advice Scotland - contact details are provided on this page.

Page last modified: 25 November 2025

Welfare support

Get in touch for free, confidential help and advice on benefits you might be entitled to, support with money matters and personal budgeting advice.

Telephone: 0800 090 1004

Citizen's Advice Scotland

Your local Citizens Advice Bureau can provide confidential advice on a variety of topics such as benefits and entitlements, debt and budgeting, and housing and employment

Telephone: 0800 028 1456

Scottish Welfare Fund

Telephone: 0800 083 1887

'Worrying About Money' Offline Guide