If you get Housing Benefit or the Housing Element of Universal Credit, but you're still finding it difficult to meet the shortfall in your rent (the difference between how much you get in benefit and how much your rent actually costs) then you may be entitled to some help. This is called a Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) Housing Payment.
Each application for a Crisis Payment is considered on the individual merits of the case. Payments will usually be awarded if you can show that you are experiencing financial hardship, or you have some other special circumstances causing you difficulty paying your rent.
You can also get help if:
- You need help to cover the cost of a deposit on a new property
- You need help to move into a new property
- You are struggling to pay your rent due to a non-dependent charge on your Housing Benefit / Element.
You can apply online for a Crisis Payment. You will need to give details of your financial situation and any other information you feel is relevant.
The council has a Crisis Payments Policy (downloads as a PDF) which will be reviewed every year.
Still need help?
Contact us to discuss what to do if you are having problems paying your rent or Council Tax.
Please be aware that we can only discuss a benefit claim with the person claiming the benefit. If you want someone else to be able to contact us on your behalf please fill in our Third Party Authorisation form.
What happens next?
We'll look at your claim and we aim to make a payment or issue a voucher as soon as possible. This can take up to 14 days but is usually quicker. We will contact you by email or text once we've looked at your application.
If your application for a Crisis Payment is successful, you will be referred to our Welfare Rights team who may be able offer you financial advice, including benefits and debt advice, to help you to prevent a financial crisis from happening again.