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, electricity, oil and water
- help with travel costs in an emergency
They are part of the Crisis and Resilience Fund.
What Crisis Payments cannot be used for
Crisis Payments will not:
- replace benefits
- clear debts
- provide long term or regular financial support
- guarantee a payment for everyone who applies
Who can apply:
You may be able to get a crisis payment if all of these apply to you:
- you live in Staffordshire (areas covered are listed below)
- you can show proof of your address
- you are 18 or over
And you must be one or more of the following:
- a care leaver from Staffordshire
- a vulnerable adult
- an adult in a serious financial crisis
- caring for someone vulnerable, including children or young people
Your income
Usually, you need to:
- be receiving benefits such as Universal Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction
- or be able to demonstrate that you are on a low income
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
Important things to know before you apply
- crisis payments are usually only awarded after other options have been used, like savings or other benefits.
- payment award is not guaranteed.
- applications will be rejected if the required evidence is not submitted within 28 days.
- you must be willing to accept extra support or advice where required.
How to apply for a crisis payment
Crisis Payments are applied for by a professional who is already supporting you.
This helps make sure people get the right help, as quickly as possible.
Oil crisis payments
In Staffordshire we have agreed to support households during 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
Application for oil payments are by professional referral only. Please see professional referral information below
Applications for other crisis payments are currently closed. We will provide further information when it becomes available.
Applying through a professional
You can ask a professional you are already working with to apply for you.
This should be someone who knows you, your family, or your situation well.
A professional who can apply for you may 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
- the Police
- Family Hub partners
- staff at 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.
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
- Assist with your application if you are eligible for support
Warmer Homes Grant
If you are not eligible for a crisis payment, you may be eligible for the Warmer Homes Grant
Further information
If you need help or more information, you can contact us.
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 your application is successful
If your application is approved, the amount and type of financial support you receive will depend on your situation.
Please see our frequently asked questions for more details.
Your information
For details about how we use and protect your personal information, please read our privacy notice.
