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Currently, Scotland is the only country offering Independent Living Fund (ILF) payments to new applicants.
The other three countries in the UK all ran the scheme, originally introduced in 1988, to help disabled people with high support needs so they could live more independently at home rather than move into residential care.
But England, Wales and Northern Ireland have all closed the Fund to new applicants.
England
In England the Independent Living Fund was closed in 2015. In the wake of this, local authorities have been responsible for distributing ILF payments to the existing recipients.
People who were receiving ILF at the time of its withdrawal and who continue to be eligible will still receive payments.
Each local authority is allocated a specific budget for ILF. So if you are eligible to continue receiving payments, the amount you receive may differ, depending on where you live in the country.
Wales
Similarly to England, the Independent Living Fund was also closed in Wales in 2015. To replace this scheme, the Wales Independent Living Grant was launched with the aim to continue to support disabled people across the country. There were 1,600 ILF recipients transferred over to the Wales Independent Living Grant. This scheme was also closed in 2019.
Since then, local authorities have been responsible for assessing people’s eligibility to funding. This again means the amount you receive can differ depending on where you live in the country. This is determined by how much funding is provided to individual authorities rather than personal need.
Scotland
ILF Scotland provides financial support to people with complex disabilities living in Scotland. It distributes money from the Scottish Government.
The Independent Living Fund (ILF) reopened in Scotland in April 2024, with initial funding of £9 million for the financial year 2024 to 2025. It had been closed to applicants since 2010.
The money is designed to enable up to 1,000 extra disabled people with complex needs to get the support they need. The ILF can be used to pay for home care services and personal assistants to help people live as independently as possible.
Eligibility for ILF in Scotland
To be eligible for the ILF,
You need to have a disability
- Live in Scotland
- Be 16 and over when applying
- Be able to access Self-Directed Support
- Receive a net weekly budget of at least £800 a week
The £800 must be received from Self-Directed Support or your social care support package from the local authority.
Nic gets financial help from ILF Scotland
Nic is 42 and is from Renfrewshire. She lives with a rare genetic condition that means her bones are easily broken and bent. As her condition worsened, Nic found herself exhausted carrying out daily tasks such as the school run. However she didn’t want to ask for help, through fear of others negatively judging her ability to look after her daughter, as well as losing her independence.
When she eventually decided to reach out for help, Nic was guided towards applying for the ILF. Nic was successful in getting the ILF and says the difference is ‘night and day’. Nic was able to employ personal assistants who provide the support she needs to live life the way she wants. She now takes part in regular hobbies such as drumming and sewing, and is planning on returning to studying.
To see Nic’s full story, watch the video below:
ILF Scotland Transition Fund
The ILF Scotland Transition Fund provides financial support to young, disabled people living in Scotland.
Through financial help, the Transition Fund aims to help young people aged 16-25:
The money can be used to try new activities and experiences. This includes things like:
- Art or music lessons
- A device or piece of technology to help you with your impairment
- Joining a class or club
- Travel training
- Driving lessons (vehicles are not usually funded)
- Training courses
The maximum amount that will be paid is £4,000.
The ILF Scotland Transition Fund is currently only open to new applicants. Previous claimants cannot apply again.
Northern Ireland
The Independent Living Fund in Northern Ireland is currently closed to new applicants.
If you are already receiving ILF in Northern Ireland, you will continue to get these payments. Your eligibility will be reviewed at least once every two years.
ILF Scotland has been responsible for administering the funding for over 400 existing claimants in Northern Ireland since 2015.
ILF payments can be used to either:
- Employ a carer or personal assistant to give you personal and domestic care.
- Pay a care agency to provide personal care and help with domestic duties.
