Crisis and Resilience Fund

Fund by UK Government

The government has started a new Crisis and Resilience Fund to help people who are having money problems.

If you live in Wirral and are facing a sudden financial emergency, Wirral Council may be able to help. The fund can provide support with important everyday needs, housing costs, money advice, and help from local support services.

Help in a crisis

If you are struggling, we may be able to help with:

  • food and other basic items
  • gas, electricity, or water costs
  • clothes and hygiene products
  • important furniture or household items
  • travel costs, such as bus fares
  • phone or internet access

This help is for a short time and is based on what you need. We usually give vouchers or money payments. Sometimes we may provide items or pay suppliers directly.

Who can apply?

You can apply if you are having a money crisis. This could be because:

  • you have lost your job or income
  • you have unexpected bills to pay
  • you are experiencing domestic abuse or need to leave an unsafe situation
  • you have been affected by a fire, flood, or another emergency

You may be able to get help if you:

  • are aged 16 or over
  • live in Wirral
  • have a low income
  • do not have enough money for essential needs

You do not have to be receiving benefits to apply.

What the fund cannot help with

The fund cannot be used for:

  • regular bills or ongoing living costs
  • long-term expenses
  • costs that can be paid by another fund, grant, or benefit

How to apply

Apply online using the Crisis and Resilience Fund form below.

If you need help filling in the form, or cannot complete it yourself, please call 0151 606 2005.

Apply for emergency support

Housing Payment

Housing Payments can provide short-term help with housing costs.

You may be able to apply if you receive:

  • Housing Benefit, or
  • Universal Credit that includes help with rent

If you need help filling in the form below, or cannot complete it yourself, please call 0151 606 2005.

Apply online via our Housing Payment webpage

Building resilience and accessing community support

The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) is designed not only to provide emergency help during times of crisis, but also to support residents to build longer-term resilience, improve financial wellbeing and access practical support within their communities. 

Energy advice and support

If you are struggling with energy costs, fuel debt or keeping your home warm, Energy Projects Plus provides free, independent support for Wirral residents. Support includes:

  • help with fuel and energy debt
  • energy efficiency advice
  • support to access grants and discounts
  • assistance with heating and insulation schemes
  • fuel vouchers for eligible pre-payment meter customers
  • advice on reducing household energy costs

Visit: www.epplus.org.uk or call 0800 043 0151. 

White goods and essential household items

For households facing hardship who need support with essential household items, including white goods such as fridges, cookers and washing machines, help may be available through local community partners.

St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP)

The St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) can support people experiencing poverty, isolation or financial hardship. Assistance may be available with furniture, white goods and other essential household items, subject to assessment. Referrals from professionals are preferred, although residents can also make direct enquiries. 

North Birkenhead Development Trust (NBDT)

North Birkenhead Development Trust (NBDT) provides support with white goods and essential household items for vulnerable households across Wirral. Applications must be submitted by a professional referrer. Support is not limited to residents of North Birkenhead.

Advice, Benefits and Debt Support

Citizens Advice Wirral offers free, confidential and independent advice to residents facing financial difficulties. Advisers can help with:

  • benefits and income maximisation
  • debt and money management
  • housing issues
  • employment concerns
  • cost of living support
  • access to fuel and utility assistance

Residents can access support online, by telephone or through community outreach sessions across the borough. 

Grants for Community and Voluntary Organisations

Community groups, charities, faith organisations and voluntary sector partners play an important role in helping residents avoid crisis and build resilience.

Organisations interested in delivering local resilience and welfare support should contact Wirral CVS, which works with Wirral Council to administer and develop community grant programmes that strengthen support for local people and communities. Funding opportunities help organisations provide practical assistance, community activities, financial wellbeing support and wider resilience initiatives across Wirral. 

Find out more at www.wcvs.org.uk

Benefits Calculator 

Need help with your income or unsure what benefits you can claim?

Whether you're making a new claim or already receiving benefits, the calculator can help identify any additional financial support you could receive, including Universal Credit.

Use the benefit calculator to work out which benefit you should claim