Crisis Payments
Crisis Payments are part of the Crisis and Resilience Fund, which is funded by the UK Government.
You can apply for a Crisis Payment if you are struggling to buy food, pay for essential utility bills or other essential living costs including housing costs. This is a one-off payment intended to help you get through your crisis. The fund is discretionary, and you may be asked to attend a session by an adviser.
A financial crisis is when a person or family does not have enough money to cover basic everyday needs, and the situation needs urgent help. This might mean someone cannot afford things like:
- food
- gas, electricity or water
- essential household items
- rent or other housing costs
Apply for a Crisis Payment
To apply for a Crisis Payment you must be able to provide evidence that you are:
- a resident in the borough of Ealing
- facing an immediate financial crisis that you have no other means to resolve
You must receive one of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit (or one of the older means-tested benefits that UC replaced)
- Pension Credit
- Job Seekers Allowance contribution based
- Employment Support Allowance contribution based
- Council Tax Reduction or Housing Benefit
You can also apply if you are likely to start getting one of these benefits within the next 6 weeks, or if you have experienced a disaster such as a fire or flood.
If your application is not successful, we will still provide you with advice and may signpost you to other organisations who may be able to help.
Most successful applications will be paid via a bank transfer. This money must only be used to pay for items listed on your application.
How we collect and use your information
To help support your longer-term financial journey, we may share your information with other organisations and charities. Details can be found in the privacy notice
If you need help making an application, you can call 020 8825 5000, or visit one of our Community Hubs, or contact a local organisation offering support. These organisations may also be able to help with debts, budgeting, or help in finding a job.
