Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF)

Get help in a crisis (Crisis and Resilience Fund)

The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) provides short-term support if you are on a low income and facing a financial shock.

It can help you meet essential living needs and support you to become more financially stable.

Who can apply

You can apply if you:

• live in Derby or have a local connection
• are aged 16 or over
• are responsible for your household costs
• are experiencing an immediate financial shock

We may prioritise:

• families with children
• older people
• disabled people or those with serious health conditions
• those with an end-of-life diagnosis
• people experiencing domestic abuse
• care leavers or people leaving institutions
• households at risk of homelessness.

What you can get help for

You may be able to get help if you cannot afford essential items due to a crisis, such as:

• not having any food
• not having gas or electricity
• a sudden loss of income
• benefit delays or reductions
• under risk of losing your home
• other emergencies, for example, illness, fire or family breakdown.

You will not usually get help for:

• ongoing living costs
• non-essential items
• debts that can be managed in other ways
• repeat requests without engaging with support.

What support you can get

Support depends on your situation and may include:

• food support or help accessing food
• emergency gas or electricity support
• essential household items (such as white goods or furniture)
• short-term financial help in some cases
• help to stay in your home or find accommodation.

We will provide support in the most appropriate and quickest way.

How to apply

The quickest and easiest way to apply is online.

Apply online

We may ask for:

• proof of identity and address
• bank statements
• benefit or wage details
• information about your housing or bills
• details about your situation.

If your situation is urgent, we may make a decision before all evidence is provided.

If you need help to apply

We can also support you to access the scheme, including:

• help if you are not confident using online services
• support for people with disabilities or additional needs
• language support if English is not your first language
• help from a professional or organisation applying on your behalf.

We can provide information in different formats, such as Braille, Easy Read or large print.

If you do not have internet access you can use public access points at the Council House or phone 01332 643790 for support.

You can also email us at crisisresiliencefund@derby.gov.uk. Deaf or hard of hearing people can text 07774 333 412.

Please ensure that all information provided is true and accurate, as supplying false or misleading details may result in further investigation by the council for potential fraud.

How we make a decision

We consider your individual circumstances, including:

• your income, spending and savings
• what circumstances surround your financial shock.
• whether you can meet your essential living needs
• risks to your health, safety or housing
• whether you have received support before.

We may also check if other help is available.

The CRF is a discretionary scheme and there is no automatic entitlement to support. All awards are made at the Council’s discretion, having regard to individual circumstances, available funding, identified need and the objectives of the scheme.

All decisions based on supplied evidence and professional judgement.

How quickly you will get help

We aim to process applications as quickly as possible:

• urgent cases aim to be processed within 48 hours
• other applications aim to be processed within 10 working days.

If your application is approved, support aims to be provided within 48 hours.

Request a review

If you do not agree with a decision, you may request a review. You must complete the review within 7 days.

Request a review

Make sure you:

• include your CRF application reference number, telephone number and email address.
• clearly state the basis of why you disagree with the decision.

We will contact you with the outcome. We may ask for more information.

If we cannot contact you within 48 hours, your review request may expire.

If this happens, you will need to apply again.

Derby's approach

Supporting low-income households in Derby

The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) helps low-income households in Derby who are experiencing financial hardship or facing unexpected financial difficulties.

Derby's approach is to provide support when it is needed most while also helping households improve their longer-term financial wellbeing and resilience. We recognise that circumstances can change quickly, and that the right support at the right time can help prevent financial difficulties from becoming more serious.

How Derby uses the fund

We deliver the fund through four connected areas of support.

• Crisis Payments
• Providing short-term support for low-income households experiencing immediate financial hardship or an unexpected crisis.
• Housing Payments
• Helping low-income households maintain stable accommodation and reduce the risk of housing-related hardship.
• Resilience services
• Providing advice, guidance and practical support that helps households improve their financial wellbeing, maximise income and access available support.
• Community coordination
• Working with local organisations, community groups and partners across Derby to improve access to support and help households find the right assistance at the right time.

The Derby approach

Our approach combines immediate help with longer-term support to help reduce financial hardship and strengthen financial resilience.

We aim to:

• support low-income households through difficult circumstances
• prevent financial difficulties from developing into more serious crises
• help households improve their financial wellbeing and independence
• make it easier for residents to access support and advice
• work closely with community partners to strengthen support across Derby
• respond flexibly to changing local needs and emerging challenges.

By combining crisis support, housing assistance, resilience services and community coordination, we aim to provide a joined-up approach that supports households today while helping build greater financial resilience for the future.

Who can get support?

The fund is intended for low-income households living in Derby who are experiencing financial hardship and meet the relevant eligibility criteria.

Applications are assessed in line with Council policies, individual circumstances and available funding.

Accessing Resilience Support

Resilience support is provided through Derby City Council and a range of local partner organisations. Residents may be identified and referred through applications to the Crisis and Resilience Fund, Council services, Community Hubs, advice agencies, housing providers, and other support organisations. Support is tailored to individual circumstances and may include help with budgeting, maximising income, debt advice, employment support, digital inclusion, and connecting people with local community resources

Additional support available

Housing Payments, formerly Discretionary Housing Payments

Housing Payments are a way of helping you if the Housing Benefit you get is not enough to pay your rent. For more information and to apply, visit our Housing Payments (formerly Discretionary) and Council Tax Hardship Scheme page.

Advice and personalised support

We can also help you access wider support, including:

• money and debt advice
• housing support
• employment support
• energy advice
• health and wellbeing services.

Warm Welcome Hubs

You can also get help through Warm Welcome Hubs across the city, which offer:

• a warm space
• hot meals
• help with energy costs
• access to wider cost of living support.

These hubs are part of a wider network of over 40 community organisations. You can find your local warm hub on the Community Action Derby website.