Crisis Loans
Key information
Crisis Loans help pay for things because you have an
emergency, or have had a disaster like a fire or flood. The loan
has to be paid back but it is interest-free.
Before applying for a Crisis Loan, you should check whether you
qualify for a Community Care Grant, a Sure Start Maternity Grant or a Funeral
Payment, as these do not have to be paid back.
Applies to: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern
Ireland
Age rules: You must be aged 16 or over
Type of benefit: Means tested
Taxable: No
Administered by: Department for Work and
Pensions
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Who does it help?
A Crisis Loan is to help people on a low income. Your need must
have come about in an emergency or disaster, such as a fire, flood
or other event that means you need something very quickly that you
cannot afford, or because you have to pay rent in advance in
certain circumstances. The Crisis Loan must be the only way that
you can avoid damage or serious risk to the health or safety of you
or a member of your family.
You can only get a crisis loan if you do not have enough money
to meet the immediate short-term needs of yourself and your family.
You do not have to be getting benefits, but you must not have any
money available that you could use instead.
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What help does it provide?
The money will be paid into your bank or building society
account. In some cases, it can be paid at a post office.
A Crisis Loan does not count as income and will not affect other
benefits you are getting.
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How much does it pay?
There is no set amount for a Crisis Loan. The amount you may be
able to borrow depends on:
- your individual circumstances, and
- any savings you have, and
- whether you have borrowed from the Social Fund before.
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How do I make a claim?
Contact your local Jobcentre
Plus Office (link opens in a new window) for a claim form
Download a claim
form from the Department for Work and Pensions website (link opens
in a new window)
In Northern Ireland
Telephone: 0800 028 8822
Contact your local
Social Security/Jobs and Benefits Office (link opens in a new
window) for a claim form
Download
a claim form from the NI Direct website (link opens in a new
window)
If you have a bank account, you can confirm your identity and
acceptance of the terms of the loan over the phone and the money
can be paid directly into your bank account.
If you have already had a crisis loan, or applied
for one that was turned down, you have to wait for 28 days before
you can apply again for the same items or services – unless
your circumstances have changed.
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What documents will I need?
You have to give your national insurance
number.
If you make an application over the phone or in person, you will
need to provide evidence of your identity and confirm in writing
that the details you have given are correct before a payment is
made.
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Challenging decisions
If you disagree with the decision made, you can
request a review but there is no right of appeal.
See the Reviews section in the
Department for work and Pensions Guide to the Social Fund (link
opens in a new window) for more information.
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This information has been produced by Citizens Advice.
Last updated: 11 November 2011
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