Independent Living Fund
Independent Living Fund (ILF) Scotland was established in July 2015 following the UK Government’s closure of the UK ILF, to safeguard the rights of disabled people in Scotland to live independent lives.
The public body ILF Scotland administers the fund on behalf of the Scottish Government. The fund enables disabled people with high support needs to choose to live in their communities.
The ILF 2015 Fund
The ILF 2015 Fund enables disabled people with high support needs to choose to live in their communities. On transfer from the UK the ILF, as an already closed scheme from 2010, was supporting just over 3000 disabled people in Scotland with high support needs (as at July 2015). Remaining closed since that year, and largely by the death of existing recipients over time, the 2015 Fund as at July 2023 supports just under 2000 of that inherited population through a lifetime award that is on average near £500 a week. With this funding people can secure the independent living arrangements of their choice in ways that are partnered with Self-Directed Support. These numbers will continue to decline if the Fund doesn't reopen. We are committed to re-opening this Fund on securing a sufficient long-term resource.
ILF Transition Fund
The ILF Transition Fund began in December 2017. It is and is focused on supporting young disabled people, aged between 16 to 25, who are at an important transitional stage in their lives. The Fund aims to promote independence, community participation, social inclusion, and confidence amongst young disabled people, improving outcomes to help make a smoother transition from childhood into adulthood. This Fund since opening has delivered £12 million via 6,500 Transition Fund grants to more than 5,000 young disabled people
Find out more information and about how to apply at: ILF Scotland