Get Help
Support from other organisations

Shelter Scotland provide a wide range of information, advice and support. This includes an inline chat, a free helpline and online resources. They also have a local office in Dundee who can be contacted directly. To find out more visit their website https://scotland.shelter.org.uk/about_us/contact_us

Each local authority provides information for those who are at risk of becoming homeless. These services are available 24/7.

Dundee https://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/service-area/neighbourhood-services/housing-and-communities/housing-options-in-dundee/homeless

Angus https://www.angus.gov.uk/housing/homelessness/homelessness_support_service

Fife https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/housing/homelessness-and-prevention

Perth & Kinross https://www.pkc.gov.uk/article/18670/Advice-for-people-who-are-or-become-homeless

Citizens Advice Scotland offer a wide range of housing information, from what to do if you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, to your rights and responsibilities within a tenancy. For further information visit their website https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/housing/

You need to be over 16 and receiving a low income to receive a grant. The grant covers food, clothes, heating costs, living expenses while waiting for a first benefit payment, travel expenses. It can’t be used for rent or a deposit.  The turnaround is roughly 2 days. Applications can be refused, but you can appeal.

To find out more, click here https://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/welfare-reform/crisis-and-community-care-grants-scottish-welfare-fund

You need to be over 16, on low income, and either moving into a new home after being homeless, leaving or remaining out of care, leaving prison or leaving domestic abuse. The grant can cover clothing, furniture, bedding, white goods, connection costs for utilities, costs for moving home, costs for getting a new job, travel costs (certain ones, ie to visit someone in hospital). It can’t use for rent or a deposit. Usually you won’t receive cash, you’ll receive the actual items you need the grant for. The turnaround is within 15 days. If it’s likely to take longer, the council should let you know when you apply.

To find out more, click here https://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/welfare-reform/crisis-and-community-care-grants-scottish-welfare-fund

You can apply if you’re getting housing benefit or universal credit and your benefits don’t cover the full cost of rent. (but aren’t eligible if due to DWP benefit sanctions). The grant can cover some/all rent that isn’t covered by benefits, tenancy deposits and rent in advance, moving costs, rent arrears caused by benefits shortfall. To apply you have to give as much detail as possible about why struggling (disabilities, care responsibilities, unexpected event, at risk of homelessness etc) and will usually need evidence.

If successful, you will usually get DHP for a set number of months, you can apply again after if you still need support but council won’t remind you. You have to notify them if your circumstances change.  It is paid along with your housing benefit payments.

To find out more, click here https://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/service-area/corporate-services/customer-services-and-it/housing-benefits/discretionary-housing-payments-dhps