People living in Scotland and across the UK at risk of falling into debt due to the ongoing impact of coronavirus may be eligible for cash grants to help cover their day-to-day expenses, including food, bills and rent.
Covid-19 is undoubtedly the largest global health crisis for a generation and the ongoing disruption caused by lockdowns and restrictions looks set to continue for many months, but what is becoming more apparent is that thousands of people may find themselves facing financial hardship.
While the UK and Scottish Government’s support measures will help many get through the pandemic, the debt charity, Turn2Us, has a dedicated section on its website which includes a searchable list of thousands of free grants currently available to individuals and families across the nation.
The financial help available varies depending on where you live, but to find out which grants are available in your area, simply enter your postcode, gender and age on the Turn2Us website here.
Here are some examples of grants available through Turn2US.
As these are grants, you won't normally need to pay the money back, but information about each one is available on the website.
Boots Benevolent Fund
The Boots Benevolent Fund is a registered charity offering support to eligible current and former Boots employees in the UK, as well as their immediate relatives and dependants experiencing financial hardship. It can provide eligible applicants with grants, interest-free loans and/or supermarket vouchers - find out more here.
The Andrew & Mary Elizabeth Little Charitable Trust
Financial grants for people living in the City of Glasgow who are poor, distressed, aged, sick or disabled – find out more here.
The Trades House of Glasgow Relief Fund
The Trades House of Glasgow Relief Fund is available to individuals living in the City of Glasgow or the surrounding areas who are in great need by reasons of financial hardship or other disadvantage – find out more here.
Glasgow Care Foundation
The Glasgow Care Foundation provides support in the form of household items for people who have lived in Glasgow City Council for at least five years. The Foundation helps people who are on low incomes, receive benefits or receive a Retirement Pension – find out more here.
B&CE’s Charitable Trust
Grants for workers in the construction industry and their families to help alleviate individual financial strain and hardship. Applicants must be in receipt of all benefits that they are eligible to claim from both the Scottish and UK Governments. Find out more here.
Elizabeth Finn Fund
The Elizabeth Finn Fund provides one-off and recurring grants for people who have British nationality or live in the UK for at least half the year and have a professional or similar background or connection, and their dependants. Find out more here.
Edinburgh Trust Response Fund relating to Covid-19
Financial support for people living in Edinburgh who have lost their income as a result of the Coronavirus – find out more here.
Float Trust
Float Trust provides small grants of up to £30 for people living in Edinburgh who need urgent help - find out more here.
Scottish Building Federation Edinburgh and District Charitable Trust
The Scottish Building Federation Edinburgh and District Charitable Trust provides financial support to people who have been involved with the building trade in Edinburgh and the Lothians – find out more here.
Dr John Calder’s Fund
This trust deals primarily with educational grants, although relief-in-need grants can be considered for people in need who live in the parish of Machar, or within the city of Aberdeen. Find out more here.
If your financial situation has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, find out what support may be available to you through benefits, grants and other help on the Turn2Us website here.
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