Crisis and Resilience Fund Crisis Payment Scheme Policy 2026 to 2027

General eligibility

Applicants must:

• be aged 16 or over
• be resident in the Borough, usually for at least one month
• be experiencing a financial shock such as:
  • sudden loss or reduction of income
  • benefit delays or changes
  • emergency or unforeseen expenses, for example essential appliance breakdown
  • other exceptional circumstances creating immediate hardship

Financial assessment

A full assessment will consider:

• household income and expenditure
• essential outgoings
• savings and capital
• debts
• vulnerability factors, for example disability, health or safeguarding concerns

Crisis Payments are aimed predominantly at those on a low income. Income thresholds may be used as a guide, but discretion will be exercised where appropriate.

Access to alternative support

Applicants should not have access to sufficient alternative resources, including:

• support from family or friends
• employer assistance
• accessible savings

Exclusions

The following will not normally be supported:

• legal fees, court costs or fines
• mortgage costs
• Council Tax or arrears
• non-essential items or lifestyle costs
• holiday or celebratory expenses
• debts to public bodies, unless exceptional circumstances apply

Rent arrears may be considered under separate Crisis Resilience Fund Housing Payment arrangements.