Funding

Scottish third sector organisations providing benefit support and advice can apply now for funding to update materials and staff training regarding the take-up of Scottish social security benefits.

The Scottish Government is offering grants through two funding programmes:

• The Benefits Take-up Fund, which has a total budget of £500,000, provides grants of between £5,000 and £50,000 to assist organisations who are preparing their services and staff to support people who will be applying for Scottish benefits. Examples of costs that could be covered include staff training, the development of materials, the development of internal systems and processes or the procurement of IT systems.
• The Income Maximisation Fund, which has a total budget of £100,000, provides grants of between £1,000 and £15,000 to assist organisations who support people to increase their household incomes, ensuring that people are aware of the financial support available to them. Examples of projects that could be supported include targeted community events or the development of a financial support “health check” tool.

Applications will be accepted from any charitable or third sector organisation in Scotland that:

• Provides free and impartial advice to Scottish citizens applying for, or seeking to apply for, Scottish social security benefits.
• Does not gain any direct economic advantage from the advice provided, for example through provision of further chargeable services.

The deadline for applications for both Funds is 31 January 2020

Full details are available here https://www.gov.scot/publications/benefit-take-up-funds-form-and-guidance/