The fund provides one-off payments to help with essential costs following financial shocks such as lost earnings, emergency expenses like health emergencies, or other unforeseen events causing immediate financial hardship. These payments are intended as emergency, short-term help rather than regular income.
Applicants must meet eligibility criteria, including being a resident of the local authority area, aged 18 or over, with a household income of less than £36,000 and less than £6,000 in savings. They must also be responsible for their own household expenses and have experienced a recent financial shock, providing proof of circumstances and household finances.
Cllr Virginia Moran, Cabinet Member for Housing at SKDC, stated: “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.”
Grant recipients will also receive referrals for financial advice and support. Other available support includes housing payments, financial resilience services, and community coordination. Lincolnshire Community Foundation also provides heating oil crisis payments.
There are different application processes depending on whether applicants are in receipt of means-tested or disability benefits, or are employed but do not qualify for means-tested benefits. For full details and to apply, visit www.southkesteven.gov.uk/CRF. Those unable to apply online can visit the Customer Service centre in Grantham or call the Welfare team on 01476 406080.
