A new scheme was introduced from 1 April 2026 called the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF).
The fund is to support low-income households who have a financial shock. It also supports activity that builds individual and community financial resilience.
Crisis Payment
Eligibility
You can claim from the 1 April 2026 if you are:
- Eighteen or over (may be able to claim if aged 16 to 17 if meet the qualifying criteria for Universal Credit (UC) housing costs or Housing Benefit (HB))
- a resident in the City of Southend (Where 'resident' means someone who lives in a property in the Southend City Council area or are accessing services such as the Job Centre as if a resident of the area. A 'resident' could also be a person who has been placed outside the city and is being supported by Southend-on-Sea City Council)
- on a low income or with little or no resources
- and you fit the following criteria.
Criteria
A crisis payment could be awarded where you have experienced financial shock. This is a sudden, unexpected expense or drop in income, which can place pressure on your budget and wellbeing.
Examples of the type of crisis that cause a financial shock include:
- unforeseen disasters (for example fire, flood, gas explosion) that resulted in severe damage to, or loss of, possessions or property.
- accident, health emergency, or mental health crisis, leading to unplanned spending or incurring increased expenses.
- experiencing domestic abuse and leaving an abusive relationship/partner and need immediate help. For example, moving into an unfurnished property and needing help with furniture and appliances.
- breakage of an essential item
- a short-term gap in regular income, for example, due to a notable change in working pattern
Do I qualify?
To see whether you qualify for the award you will need to answer questions about your:
- income
- earnings
- savings
- expenses
- debts
You also need to give proof of your financial situation.
What the scheme covers
The scheme can cover applications for:
- food and hygiene products
- water charges
- fuel/energy costs.
- essential furniture (such as bed, sofa, storage)
- household furnishings (curtains, bedding)
- essential white goods (such as cooker, fridge, washing machine)
- clothing
- food and hygiene products
- digital and connectivity essentials such as broadband or phone bills
If awarded, you will receive your award by one or more of the following:
- PostOffice Payout scheme
- AllPay card
- high quality recycled furniture from a reputable charity
- white goods from a reputable local dealer
Resilience Services
People who receive a Crisis Payment will be given a Resilience Service.
The services offered will reach one or more of the following outcomes:
- reduce experience of material deprivation - This is the inability to afford essentials.
- increase access to proper and quality advice services - This could be a service that deals with debt, welfare, housing, or other wider advice.
- increase savings.
- reduce priority debt.
- reduce need for emergency food parcels/crisis applications.
- maximise your income and budget.
The team will contact you after your Crisis Payment application has been awarded. There is an expectation you will engage with the services offered to reduce your need to make any further crisis applications.
How to apply and further details
Telephone: 0300 790 0124
Email address: SELCF@southend.gov.uk
Website: https://www.southend.gov.uk/extra-financial-help/crisis-resilience-fund/2
Date and Time: Open Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 5.00pm