The Highland Council: benefits and support
The Highland Council covers the largest local authority area in the UK by land and administers SWF, DHP and CTR to residents across Inverness, the Inner Moray Firth, Lochaber, Skye, Ross-shire, Sutherland and Caithness.
238k residents · Unitary authority · Council benefits hub
Schemes
Scottish Welfare Fund
Year-roundScottish Welfare Fund
Highland residents on low income facing a crisis (Crisis Grant) or needing items to live independently in the community (Community Care Grant).
Rural remoteness is considered when assessing what counts as a crisis — e.g., fuel costs in off-grid households and access to shops during extreme weather.
Verified 2026-04-21
Discretionary Housing Payment
Year-roundDiscretionary Housing Payment
UC or Housing Benefit claimants with a housing cost shortfall. Bedroom tax covered in full under Scottish policy.
Verified 2026-04-21
Council Tax Reduction
Year-roundCouncil Tax Reduction
Low-income residents. Up to 100% reduction under the Scottish scheme.
Verified 2026-04-21