Apply for a crisis payment

If you're on a low income and facing an unexpected financial emergency, you may be able to get help through the Crisis Payment Scheme.

About the scheme

The scheme is part of the government's Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) and provides one-off payments to help households deal with sudden financial pressures.

Crisis payments are intended for short-term emergencies and are not a replacement for regular income or benefits.

Who can apply

You can apply if you are aged 18 or over (or 16 and over if you live independently).

Living situation

You must have:

• Lived in Wandsworth for at least 6 weeks, or
• Been placed in temporary accommodation outside Wandsworth by Wandsworth Council, or
• Moved to Wandsworth because you were at risk of violence

You must be responsible for paying rent or Council Tax at your address.

Benefits and income

You must have the right to claim benefits in the UK.

You must have a low income, or receive either:

• Pension Credit
• An out-of-work benefit
• Council Tax Reduction

Payments will only be considered if you don't have enough income, savings, or capital to deal with the emergency.

What you can get help with

We may award a crisis payment if you are facing a financial emergency that needs immediate action to prevent serious hardship.

This could include not having enough money for:

• Food
• Heating or energy
• Water
• Accommodation
• Essential household items, such as furniture or appliances

Financial emergencies

You may be eligible for a crisis payment if:

• Your household has lost income because of redundancy or a significant reduction in working hours
• You have unexpected costs because of an accident, health emergency or mental health crisis
• You or your partner have recently been diagnosed with an illness and are waiting for a health-related benefit decision
• Your household has lost income following a relationship breakdown, bereavement or another unexpected event
• You are fleeing, or have recently fled, domestic abuse, violence or the threat of violence
• Money has been lost or stolen
• Your home has been affected by a serious fire or flood
• You are moving from supported, emergency or temporary accommodation into permanent housing
• An essential item has broken down, such as a boiler, medical equipment or a major household appliance
• You need urgent help to protect the health or safety of your household

When we are unlikely to help

You are unlikely to receive a crisis payment if:

• You have been placed in temporary accommodation in Wandsworth by another council
• Your benefits have been sanctioned (you should apply for a hardship payment through the Department for Work and Pensions instead)
• You are waiting for your first Universal Credit payment (you should apply for a Universal Credit advance)
• You do not provide enough evidence to support your application
• You have already received a Crisis Payment for similar financial circumstances

Make your application

To apply for a crisis payment you need to complete the online form.

You'll be asked about the emergency situation, as well as your household details, tenancy information, income, bank accounts and savings.

Supporting documents

As part of your application you'll need to provide:

• Recent bank statement
• Tenancy agreement
• Any other evidence that may be required to support your crisis application e.g. for rent arears, providing a letter or rent statement detailing the arrears

It is easiest to upload the documents directly to the form. If you are unable to supply these at the point of application, you can save your progress and finish later, or provide the documents separately.

Submit your application

You will be notified of the outcome once your application has been processed.

Further support and advice

The Crisis and Resilience Fund does more than provide emergency payments. It also helps residents become more financially resilient and reduce the risk of future financial emergencies.

Where appropriate, we may refer you to council services or partner organisations that can provide additional support, including:

• Help to claim benefits you may be entitled to
• Debt advice and money management support
• Other services that can improve your financial situation over the longer term

These services are designed to help you manage future financial challenges and reduce the need for emergency support.

Visit the Cost of Living Hub for more information.