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 Credit you have to make a separate application to your local authority.

Find out more at:

• City of Edinburgh Council - Discretionary Housing Payment
• East Lothian Council - Discretionary Housing Payment
• Fife Council - Discretionary Housing Payment
• Midlothian Council - Discretionary Housing Payment
• West Lothian 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.

Find out more at:

• City of Edinburgh Council - Council Tax Reduction Scheme
• East Lothian Council - Council Tax Reduction Scheme
• Fife Council - Council Tax Reduction Scheme
• Midlothian Council - Council Tax Reduction Scheme
• West Lothian Council - Council Tax Reduction Scheme.

You can also claim Council Tax Discounts and Exemptions.

Find out more at:

• City of Edinburgh Council - Council Tax Discounts and Exemptions
• East Lothian Council - Council Tax Discounts and Exemptions
• Fife Council - Council Tax Discounts and Exemptions
• Midlothian Council - Council Tax Discounts and Exemptions
• West Lothian Council - Council Tax Discounts and Exemptions.

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

Find out more at:

• City of Edinburgh Council - Scottish Welfare Fund
• East Lothian Council - Scottish Welfare Fund
• Fife Council - Scottish Welfare Fund
• Midlothian Council - Scottish Welfare Fund
• West Lothian 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.

Find out more at:

• City of Edinburgh Council - Crisis Grants
• East Lothian Council - Crisis Grants
• Fife Council - Crisis Grants
• Midlothian Council - Crisis Grants
• West Lothian Council - Crisis Grants.

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

It also helps:

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

Find out more at:

• City of Edinburgh Council - Community Care Grants
• East Lothian Council - Community Care Grants
• Fife Council - Community Care Grants
• Midlothian Council - Community Care Grants
• West Lothian 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 25 September 1957.

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.