More than 20,000 Renfrewshire households are now eligible to receive extra government cash to help them with increased costs and lost income.
Households in receipt of council tax reduction or those who are exempt from the charge are now entitled to claim a one-off low-income pandemic payment of £130.
Renfrewshire Council has confirmed around 18,800 households qualify for the benefit through being in receipt of council tax reduction.
Meanwhile, approximately 1,500 will be eligible because they do not have to pay council tax.
Households can be exempt from the charge if all members are care leavers, are under 18 or are severely mentally impaired, such as if they have Alzheimer's disease or have suffered a stroke.
Residents also do not have to pay if their home is unoccupied because they are being cared for or are caring for someone else, or if their accommodation falls under the housing support service exemption category.
The low-income payment was announced by the Scottish Government in March and is being delivered by councils.
Renfrewshire North and West MSP Natalie Don is now urging eligible residents to apply for the benefit which she has described as "crucial" for those facing financial difficulty following the coronavirus crisis.
The SNP politician said: "With many families in Renfrewshire North and West facing financial challenges as we recover from the pandemic, I'm pleased to see the government is providing a £130 low-income pandemic support payment to help alleviate some of the pressures caused by increased costs and lost income.
“People who qualify for this payment should receive a letter from Renfrewshire Council about their eligibility and they will receive a second one in the upcoming weeks containing a reference number and instructions on how to submit a claim by completing a simple form on an online portal or over the phone.
“I encourage everyone who is eligible to ensure they apply as soon as they receive their letter so that they can start benefiting from this crucial support."
Council chiefs have said final eligible numbers will be confirmed following a further data check at the end of August.
The local authority is in the process of writing to all qualifying households inviting them to make a claim.
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Anyone who thinks they should be receiving the payment and has not heard anything by the end of next month is being urged to get in touch with the council by emailing lippaymentenquiries@renfrewshire.gov.uk or calling 0300 300 1483.
For those who do not make a claim by the end of October, the payment will be made directly to their council tax account, which will reduce their bill for this year.
