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The site was last updated on 21 November 2008.

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Scotland    Benefits    Frequently asked questions about benefits

Benefits - In Scotland

 

 


I have just left my home and all my belongings to escape my violent partner.  Can I get any financial help?

This information applies to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

You may be able to get help from the Social Fund in the form of a crisis loan. You do not have to be receiving any benefits to qualify for a crisis loan. A crisis loan is provided to meet expenses in an emergency, or as a consequence of a disaster.

If you are already receiving certain benefits, you may be eligible for a budgeting loan or a community care grant. A crisis loan and budgeting loan are both repayable but only the amount of the loan will have to be repaid. A community care grant does not have to be repaid.

If you were financially dependent on your ex-partner and now have no income, you may also be able to claim benefits in your own right, such as Jobseeker’s Allowance or Income Support. If you work part time, you may be entitled to Working Tax Credit. If you are renting a new home, you may get help with Housing and Council Tax costs if you claim Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. If you are now homeless as a result of leaving a partner, you can seek help with re-housing from your local authority.

There are a number of organisations that can offer counselling and support. For example, Women’s Aid for female victims of domestic violence or Survivors UK Ltd for male victims of domestic violence. There are also organisations that aim to help men who are violent to their partners.

For more information about crisis loans, budgeting loans and community care grants, see Help for people on a low income – the Social Fund.
For more information about Jobseeker’s Allowance, see Benefits for people looking for work.
For more information about Income Support, see Help for people on low income - Income Support.
For more information about Working Tax Credit, see Benefits and tax credits for people in work.
For more information about Housing Benefit, see Help with your rent - Housing Benefit.
For more information about Council Tax Benefit, see Help with your council tax – Council Tax Benefit.
For more information about homelessness, see Finding accommodation.
For more information about domestic violence, see Domestic violence.
For more information on what to do after a relationship breakdown, see Ending a marriage, Ending a relationship when you're living together, or Ending a civil partnership.


Other Frequently asked questions about benefits:

 

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