The Crisis Payment Fund provides short-term emergency support when an unexpected event places your basic needs at immediate risk.
This support is intended for genuine emergencies and immediate hardship only and is not designed to meet ongoing living costs.
You may apply if you:
- live in East Cambridgeshire
- are experiencing an unexpected crisis or emergency
- are unable to meet essential needs because of that crisis
- can provide evidence of your circumstances
Each application will be considered on its individual circumstances. You do not always need to be on benefits to apply.
Depending on your circumstances, support may include:
- financial assistance
- vouchers
- essential goods
- referral to specialist services
Any award will be based on your individual circumstances and assessed need. You do not always need to be on benefits to apply. This is short-term support only, it is not ongoing financial support or a general payment.
You cannot apply if you:
- have ongoing difficulties meeting everyday living costs
- regularly have no money available due to debt or routine household bills
- need to replace old or worn-out items
- are facing a situation that could reasonably have been planned for
- cannot provide evidence of the crisis
- have savings or other accessible funds available to meet the cost
- need help with debts, routine bills, or ongoing living expenses
Evidence required
You must provide clear evidence of the crisis when you apply.
Applications submitted without supporting evidence will be declined.
You must provide:
- last 3 months statements for all accounts held by the applicant and household, if applicable
- evidence relating to the crisis
Applications submitted without supporting evidence are unlikely to be approved.
