Dumfries and Galloway crisis grants pay bills

The Dumfries and Galloway council runs the local welfare scheme, and as part of this form of financial assistance crisis grants are provided. The funds or vouchers are used to address emergency needs, or it can also help people local to Dumfries and Galloway that were impacted by a disaster.

The scheme will only pay for short term needs. This may be a few days of electric or fuel bills, or welfare may top up a smart meter. There are also local food banks (customer service centres can link families to them) that can provide a few days worth of free groceries to individuals that have a voucher. Dumfries and Galloway crisis grants can also be used to pay for housing needs, including white goods, furniture, bedding, and more.

When it comes to financial assistance, the crisis grant from the authorities would be used to pay bills that will help people avoid serious serious risk to their safety or health. Or if the family is at risk, the grant covers that too. This is why living expenses such as heating bills are paid for, as without heat in a home a resident can freeze. Fuel cards are also given for emergency transportation.

People that are local to Dumfries and Galloway, but are stranded, can also receive help from a crisis grant. The council may help with emergency transportation to get the stranded person back home. This is generally for a free travel card, such as bus or fuel voucher, as welfare will help the person get back home. Another form of aid is for those that need to go to a job, but do not have the money to commute there.

For residents of the area that are resettling, such as leaving a care setting, hospital, temporary housing or prison, or hostel and who have no means of moving, then assistance may be given from the local welfare scheme. It is generally in the form of assistance in buying items for the new home. In some instances the welfare grant may pay for a portion of the rent in advance or deposit.

The Dumfries and Galloway council also offers a rent deposit scheme. This is separate from a welfare crisis grant. There may be bonds issued, or non-cash aid, for tenants threatened by homeless or those that are homeless now. The funds are used to help pay for any deposits from the landlord. This is separate than resettling, but it can often be combined together.

Apply for welfare in Dumfries and Galloway

The Dumfries and Galloway crisis grant will only be for people in an emergency, or threatened by an emergency. The other criteria is the applicant needs to have a low income and be age 16 or higher. Or they can be on benefits, such as Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). Other benefits may also be eligible for assistance.

Any decision is made by the council will be within one day on a Monday to Friday. The funds issued will be done within two days, but it will be non-cash assistance. If items are needed for resettling (furniture, bedding, etc.) this form of assistance will take a few more days. It is also done in partnership with reuse stores, including from the Salvation Army.

There are multiple customer service centres in Dumfries and Galloway to drop in for advice, or to apply at. Applications can be done only, or the main Council HQ is at English Street, Dumfries, DG1 2DD. Call them at 030 33 33 3007.