Crisis Payments
Crisis Payments are small, short‑term payments to help people who are facing a serious money problem.
Crisis Payments can help pay for essential items, such as:
- Food
- Gas or electricity
- Fuel for travel in an emergency
What Crisis Payments cannot be used for
The CRF Crisis Payments will not:
- Replace benefits
- Clear debts
- Provide long term or regular financial support
- Guarantee a payment for everyone who applies
Eligibility Criteria:
You may be able to apply if one or more of the following applies to you. You must:
- Live in Staffordshire and be able to show proof of where you live
And you must be 18 or over and:
- Be a care leaver from Staffordshire
- Be a vulnerable adult, or an adult in a serious financial crisis
- Be caring for someone vulnerable, including children or young people
What areas are covered?
You must live in Staffordshire County Council area, which includes:
- Cannock Chase
- East Staffordshire
- Lichfield
- Newcastle‑under‑Lyme
- South Staffordshire
- Stafford Borough
- Staffordshire Moorlands
- Tamworth
Funding conditions
- Crisis payment award: Awards are typically made when all other funding streams (such as savings or other benefits) have been exhausted.
- Conditionality: Financial Support is not guaranteed and conditional on the recipient providing all the evidence required to substantiate a claim and is willing to accept further support and advice where required
Vulnerability Gov.uk Definitions:
*Being vulnerable is defined as being in need of special care, support, or protection because of age (whether child or adult), disability, or risk of abuse or neglect - Vulnerabilities: applying All Our Health - GOV.UK
Vulnerability
Vulnerability is defined as being:
- Physically or mentally impaired (including those in receipt of disability benefits like PIP or DLA).
- Pension age.
- Pregnant or having dependent children.
- A carer.
- A care leaver under 25
- Individuals may be experiencing a sudden, unexpected expense or drop in income, such as redundancy, stolen funds, or a health emergency.
Household income
Individuals usually must be in receipt of means-tested benefits (e.g., Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Universal Credit) or demonstrate a low income.
How to apply for a crisis payment
Crisis Payments are usually applied for by a professional who is already supporting you.
This helps make sure people get the right help, as quickly as possible.
a) Applying through a professional
You can ask a professional you are already working with to apply on your behalf.
This should be someone who knows you, your family, or your situation well.
Examples of professionals who can make a referral include:
- Staffordshire County Council staff, such as social workers or support workers
- Registered social landlords or housing providers
- District or borough council benefits teams
- Health services, including the NHS and Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT)
- Citizens Advice
- Police
- Family Hub partners
- Schools, colleges, and other education settings in Staffordshire
- Support Staffordshire members
- SCVYS members
- Council‑funded support services working directly with families and households
Professionals working with an individual or family will have access to the professional referral form through their organisation.
Applications are currently closed and will be open in due course
b) If you are not working with a professional
If you think you might be eligible, but do not have a professional supporting you, you can still ask for help.
You can complete a form to request support from a 1‑to‑1 support coach.
A support coach will:
- Talk with you about your situation
- Assess your needs
- Help decide what support may be available
Applications are currently closed and will be open in due course
Oil crisis payments
In Staffordshire we have agreed to support households with £300 to support with the current oil crisis.
You may be eligible if:
- Your main heating source is oil
- You are on a low income
- You are at immediate risk of being unable to heat your home or run hot water
This is professional referral only please see professional referral information above.
Oil crisis payments can be made through a professional referral please contact a professional who can support your application
Warmer Homes Grant
If you are not eligible for a crisis payment, you may be eligible for the Warmer Homes Grant
c) Enquires & Telephone Support
Staffordshire County Council general enquiries number (Contact Centre):
Textphone/Minicom users only:
Staffordshire Family Hubs
You can find your local family hub's contact details on our website.
If my application is successful, what financial support might I receive?
Please see our frequently asked questions
For further information please refer to our privacy notice
