Coronavirus: The lifeline support schemes available for cash-strapped Scots

Lifeline support funds to help Scots facing "several weeks" without any money, as the Coronavirus impact intensifies, have been set out by Nicola Sturgeon.

Self-employed Scots face the prospect of no money coming in during the lockdown

The First Minister urged those worst hit to "reach out" for help as early as they can, as benefits services face long queues for claims.

"We appreciate that people may be beginning to struggle now and that some people face the prospect of several weeks wait for funding," Ms Sturgeon said today.

An extra £350 million of funding for the third sector and councils was announced by the Scottish Government last week to help people cope with the economic and social impact of the crisis.

Among the financial assistance schemes available to those worst hit are:

:: The Scottish Welfare Fund - this provides community grants and crisis grants for those in most need and has been more than doubled by ministers.

"These funds now have more flexibility and people should know that they are there for anyone who is facing real hardship," Ms Sturgeon said.

:: Statutory sick pay - this will be available for eligible individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 or those unable to work because they are self-isolating in line with Government advice, although queues can be long.

:: Universal credit - Up to 500,000 people have applied for benefits UK-wide in the past 10 days as the impact of the virus intensifies, but extra cash is being made available by the Chancellor to provide support and extra staff are being deployed to handle the deluge.

:: Council tax - Scots worst hit may be eligible for a reduction and should contact their local authorities for information, with the Scottish Government having provided more funds to support this

:: Energy bills - Special schemes are being set up by companies to help customers struggling to pay their bills or having problems with pre-payment meters as a result of Coronavirus.

:: Mortgage/Rent - Scots should contact their mortgage providers and landlords about their rent or mortgage arrangements with "holidays" expected to available for most.

"We've been very clear that six month mortgage holiday should be available and that nobody - absolutely nobody - should be facing eviction as a result of this crisis," the First Minister warned today.

"Help is available. If you're suffering hardship and you haven't yet explored these options, please reach out. The earlier you do that, the earlier you can access assistance."