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 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.

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 must request a review in writing within 7 days.

To request a review, email crisisresiliencefund@derby.gov.uk.

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.

Other support available

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.