Low-income households facing an unexpected financial crisis can get help with essential costs through the government-funded Crisis and Resilience Fund.
Delivered through South Kesteven District Council, the fund offers one-off payments following financial shocks such as lost earnings, emergency expenses, such as health emergencies, or other unforeseen events causing immediate financial hardship.
Payments are for emergency help, rather than a regular income. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria and provide evidence of circumstances, income, spending and debts – including bank statements.
Any cash awards are based on individual needs and are to provide short-term financial stability.
Grant recipients will also get additional help through a referral for financial advice and support aimed at helping to prevent future difficulty.
Cabinet Member for Housing at SKDC, Cllr Virginia Moran, said: “The Crisis and Resilience Fund is here to help people who need short-term financial support. We can provide that, alongside good advice on how to cope moving forward.
“A sudden loss of income or an unexpected expense can make it difficult to meet essential living costs, so when this happens, we would urge people to get in touch before bills become hard to manage.”
Other support includes housing payments, financial resilience services and community coordination to improve awareness and access. Lincolnshire Community Foundation also offers heating oil crisis payments to households at risk of losing heating or hot water.
There is a different application process whether you are currently in receipt of a means tested benefit (universal credit, pension credit) or a disability benefit – or for those in employment who do not qualify for a means tested benefit.
For all details on all grants – and how to apply – visit www.southkesteven.gov.uk/CRF
Those without the means to apply themselves online can call into SKDC’s Customer Service centre in Grantham or call the Welfare team on 01476 406080.
To be eligible for a crisis payment, applicants will need to:
- Be a resident of the local authority area.
- Be aged 18 or over.
- Have a household income of less than £36,000.
- Have less than £6,000 in savings.
- Be responsible for their own household expenses.
- Have experienced a recent financial shock.
- Provide proof of circumstances and household finances.
