What's a crisis?
There are no strict rules for determining what is or isn't a crisis. We assess each application individually to make a decision.
Here are a few examples of what we may and may not consider a crisis but they don't cover all circumstances. If you're not sure and you're struggling, please apply anyway.
Examples of crisis situations
We may consider it a crisis when:
- You need to make an emergency journey, for example to attend a hospital appointment.
- You're fleeing domestic abuse and need support or emergency items or clothing.
- You can't afford to heat your home - we can only help if you use a smart meter to top up at pay point shops.
- You've left care, prison, asylum seeker accommodation or the armed forces.
- You're moving into a home for the first time after being homeless.
- You've been the victim of a crime or natural disaster, for example your home was broken into or you've had a serious fire or flood.
We don't usually consider the following as crisis situations:
- You've run out of money and need some cash to tide yourself over.
- You're moving out of your parents' house and need help setting up home on your own.
- You need a deposit to rent a home. However, you may be eligible for a Housing Payment.
