Local councils are ready to help low-income households needing emergency support to avoid hardship and become more financially resilient.
Funded by the UK Government, the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) provides a range of support, available from councils and delivery partners across Lincolnshire.
This includes crisis payments, emergency support for low-income households experiencing a sudden financial shock that places immediate pressure on household budgets. Examples include:
- a loss or reduction of employment income
- unexpected household expenses
- increased housing or utility costs
- accident, health emergency or mental health crisis, leading to unplanned spending or increased expenses
- other unforeseen circumstances that create a financial shock
This one-off support is targeted and isn’t intended to be an alternative source of regular income. Those applying will need to meet a range of eligibility criteria, including having a household income of less than £36,000 and less than £6,000 in savings. They will also be asked for evidence on household income, expenditure and debts, including bank statements.
Those receiving a grant will also be referred to a financial resilience service for information and advice and to improve skills, to help them avoid further crises in future.
Cllr Rob Gibson, Deputy Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We know that for some households, loss of income or an unexpected expense, can make it almost impossible to meet essential living costs. When this happens, bills can quickly become hard to manage, and families may find themselves in a vicious cycle of ongoing financial crises. The Crisis and Resilience Fund is designed to provide short-term financial support to help when it is needed most, alongside advice to help them be better able to manage in the future.”
The other types of support available through the CRF are:
- Housing Payments: to help maintain safe and stable housing
- Heating Oil Crisis Payments: to help households at risk of losing immediate access to heating or hot water, available from Lincolnshire Community Foundation
- Resilience Services: support and advice services, programmes and activities to help individuals become more financially stable
- Community Coordination: to help increase awareness of and access to the Crisis and Resilience Fund within communities
Much of the support available is provided through Lincolnshire’s district councils: Boston Borough Council, City of Lincoln Council, East Lindsey District Council, North Kesteven District Council, South Holland District Council, South Kesteven District Council and West Lindsey District Council.
For further details on the support available, including how to apply, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/council-councillors/crisis-resilience-fund-crf. Alternatively, contact your local district council.
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 circumstance and household finances
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