Crisis Loan

Need help in a crisis, nowhere else to turn?

What is a Crisis Loan?

This is a tax-free loan. No interest is charged but you do have to pay the loan back.

We will only award a Crisis Loan if there is no other way you can get help.

You do not have to be on benefits to apply.

What is it for?

A Crisis Loan is for something you need at once:

• in an emergency, or
• because of a disaster,

and the help you need:

• is not available from anywhere else, and
• is the only way to stop serious damage or risk to you or your family's health and safety.

You may also get one if you need help to pay rent upfront, but only if you are leaving care and getting a Community Care Grant.

How much can I get?

We will decide the amount of the Crisis Loan. A loan is only to help you manage during a period of crisis. You may not be able to replace all losses or repair all damage.

We may question the amount you ask for if we think it seems too much for your needs.

What do I need to do next?

You can download a Social Fund form

You can download a Crisis Loans form in PDF format. The form comes with notes that will help you fill it in and tell you where to send the completed form. This form does not apply to Northern Ireland.

 Crisis Loans , print out a form to fill in with a pen (81kb)

More information can be found in the leaflet 'The Social Fund'.

 The Social Fund (684.78kb)

Get help with PDFs

Decisions and Reviews

Disagree with our loan or grant decision?