Independent Living Fund
The Independent Living Fund provides funding support for disabled people in Scotland. This page explains what help is available and how to apply.
There are two parts to the Independent Living Fund:
- the Independent Living Fund
- the Transition Fund, for young disabled people between 16-25.
The Independent Living Fund
The Scottish Independent Living Fund was created in 2015. It is designed to support individuals who have complex disabilities to live independently.
The fund was closed to new applicants for a long time, but re-opened in April 2024.
You can apply for the fund if you meet the following Access Principles:
- You live in Scotland.
- You are aged 16 years or over at the time of application.
- You access Self-Directed Support.
- You receive a net weekly budget of at least £800 per week.
Applications to the Independent Living Fund are made by your local council’s social work department, on your behalf.
Visit the Independent Living Fund website for more information on the fund and how to apply.
The Transition Fund
The ILF Scotland Transition Fund is available to help young disabled people between the ages of 16 and 25.
It is designed to help with the transition from leaving school or children’s services. It helps children to be:
- more independent
- more active and engaged in their community
- more able to build and maintain relationships with other people.
The Transition Fund provides money for up to one year to support young people with a disability or impairment as defined by the Equality Act 2010.
Disabilities can include:
- Autism
- learning difficulties
- intellectual disabilities
- physical disabilities
- mental health (eg. anxiety or depression)
- hearing or visual impairments.
You can apply for the Transition Fund if you:
- Are between the age of 15 and 25 years old (if you apply at 15 you will not receive the money until you turn 16 and if you are 25 applications must be made before your 26th birthday).
- Will be resident in Scotland for the duration of the Transition Fund grant period
- Have an impairment or disability (as defined in the Equality Act 2010)
- Have less than £32,750 of personal savings.
People who have little or no formal support through their council or through Self Directed Support (SDS) will be prioritised.
Find out more about the Transition Fund and how to apply on the Independent Living Fund website.
Next steps
Find out more about the Independent Living Fund, or take a look at case studies of people who have used the Transition Fund, on their website in the Resources section below.