Extra support

A Discretionary Housing Payment is for tenants who get Housing Benefit or Universal Credit (housing element) but need extra help to pay their rent.

Funds from the Scottish Government helps tenants deal with welfare changes and covers the cost of the Bedroom Tax (Removal of the Spare Room Subsidy).

If you get Universal Credits you have to make a separate application to your local authority.

Find out more at:

• Glasgow City Council - Discretionary Housing Payment
• West Dunbartonshire Council - Discretionary Housing Payment
• North Lanarkshire Council - Discretionary Housing Payment
• South Lanarkshire Council - Discretionary Housing Payment
• Renfrewshire Council - Discretionary Housing Payment
• Falkirk Council - Discretionary Housing Payment.

The Council Tax Reduction Scheme cuts your Council Tax bill if you are out of work or on a low income. The amount you get depends on your income and circumstances.

• Glasgow City Council -  Council Tax Reduction Scheme
• West Dunbartonshire Council -  Council Tax Reduction Scheme
• North Lanarkshire Council -  Council Tax Reduction Scheme
• South Lanarkshire Council -  Council Tax Reduction Scheme
• Renfrewshire Council -  Council Tax Reduction Scheme
• Falkirk Council - Council Tax Reduction Scheme

You can also claim Council Tax Discounts and Exemptions.

• Glasgow City Council - Council Tax Discounts and Exemptions
• West Dunbartonshire Council - Council Tax Discounts and Exemptions
• North Lanarkshire Council - Council Tax Discounts and Exemptions
• South Lanarkshire Council - Council Tax Discounts and Exemptions
• Renfrewshire Council - Council Tax Discounts and Exemptions
• Falkirk Council - Council Tax Discounts and Exemptions

Scottish Welfare Fund is a scheme run by local authorities. The grants don’t have to be repaid.

• Glasgow City Council – Scottish Welfare Fund
• West Dunbartonshire Council - Scottish Welfare Fund
• North Lanarkshire Council - Scottish Welfare Fund
• South Lanarkshire Council - Scottish Welfare Fund
• Renfrewshire Council - Scottish Welfare Fund
• Falkirk Council -  Scottish Welfare Fund

Crisis Grants are for people who need help because of a disaster or an emergency. It could be a fire or a flood, or if your money is stolen or benefits stopped.

• Glasgow City Council – Crisis Grants
• West Dunbartonshire Council - Crisis Grants
• North Lanarkshire Council - Crisis Grants
• South Lanarkshire Council - Crisis Grants
• Renfrewshire Council - Crisis Grants
• Falkirk Council - Crisis Grants.

Community Care Grants helps people who face going into care unless they get support to stay at home.

It also helps:

• families urgently needing one-off items, for example a cooker or a washing machine.
• a person leaving care and needing help to set up their own home.

• Glasgow City Council – Community Care Grants
• West Dunbartonshire Council - Community Care Grants
• North Lanarkshire Council - Community Care Grants
• South Lanarkshire Council - Community Care Grants
• Renfrewshire Council - Community Care Grants
• Falkirk Council - Community Care Grants.

A Winter Fuel Payment is a payment made each year to help with heating costs for homes that include someone born before 6 May 1953.

If you receive Pension Credit, or you’re on a low income, you may get a Warm Home Discount. This is money taken off your electricity bill by your energy supplier.