Crisis Loans

If you need financial help with an emergency or disaster you may be able to get a Crisis Loan; the interst-free loan from the Social Fund that you pay back. You do not need to be claiming any benefits to receive this loan.

Who is eligible?

You can apply for a Crisis Loan if ALL of the following apply:

• you are aged 16 or over
• you don't have enough money to meet your (or your family's) immediate short-term needs because of an event or disaster
• without the loan there will be serious damage or risk to you (or your family's) health and safety

Or, if you're 16 or over and:

• you've been getting a Community Care Grant but you're moving out of instituional or residential accommodation and don't have enough money to pay advance rent to a non-local authority landlord.

How much do you get?

There is no set amount of Crisis Loan. The amount you may be able to borrow will depend on:

• your individual circumstances
• any savings you have
• whether or not you have borrowed from the social fund before

How it's paid

The loan is usually paid directly into your bank, building society or Post Office Account.

How do you repay it?

If you qualify for a crisis loan you'll need to agree how you're going to pay it back. An advisor at your Jobcentre Plus or social security office will talk you through it and agree a repayment plan with you that you can afford. If you're receiving benefits, the loan is normally repaid weekly out of your benefit payments. You don't pay interest on a Crisis Loan, meaning you only pay back what you borrow and no more.

To apply, contact your local Jobcentre Plus or Social Security office and ask for claim form SF401.

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