Crisis and Resilience Fund Crisis Payment Scheme Policy 2026 to 2027

Application process

How to apply

Applications for a Crisis Resilience Fund Crisis Payment must be submitted by the applicant, a support professional, the applicant's carer or a partner organisation. Verbal confirmation is sufficient to show that a third-party is acting with the applicant's consent.

An applicant form can be completed online via our online form or alternatively using a paper application form that can be downloaded or obtained by calling Customer Services on Telephone 01642 393939.

Supporting information

The applicant will normally be required to provide all supporting information at the time of the application. Where this is not possible it must be supplied within 5 working days of submitting the application. If the applicant does not provide the information or request an extension due to exceptional circumstances, the application will be closed.

The applicant must provide all supporting information within 24 hours of submitting the application if requesting essentials such as food and fuel. For other items, the applicant must provide all supporting information within 5 days of submitting the application. If the applicant does not provide the information on time, the application will be closed and will not be re-opened.

While exact requirements may vary, the type of information and evidence required will usually include:

proof of identity
proof of address
telephone and email contact details
household composition
household income and expenditure
bank statements
wage slips
benefit award
debts
details relating to the crisis
information from partner agencies and services

Assessing the application

Each application will be assessed based on:

nature and urgency of the financial shock
financial position and affordability
risk to health or wellbeing if support is not provided
previous support received

Decision-making

Decisions will be made by officers within the Council's Revenues, Benefits and Welfare Service.

All determinations are discretionary and based on the individual circumstances of each case. Decisions will normally be made within 48 hours of receiving all required information.

Applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome and if unsuccessful, reasons for the decision.

Conditions for support

Conditions may be attached to awards where appropriate, including:

engagement with support or advice services
taking steps to improve financial or housing circumstances

These conditions aim to reduce repeat need and improve long-term outcomes.

Repeat applications

Repeat applications will be considered where justified and ordinarily be limited to a maximum of 2 awards per year. Additional conditions may be applied, including: