The Stoke-on-Trent Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) is here to help residents who are struggling with money or facing unexpected financial difficulties.
The fund provides emergency financial support when you need it most through crisis payments, housing payments etc, while also helping you access advice and services to improve your financial wellbeing and prevent future hardship.
The scheme is funded by the UK Government and will run from April 2026 to 31 March 2029.
What support is available?
The Crisis and Resilience Fund includes two types of financial support:
Housing Payments
Housing Payments can provide extra financial help if you are struggling to meet housing-related costs and need support to stay in safe and suitable accommodation.
For more information and to apply, visit:
Housing Payments (DHP) and Council Tax Discretionary Relief
Further information about support available through the Crisis and Resilience Fund will be published on this page as it becomes available.
Crisis Payments
Crisis Payments are short-term emergency payments for residents facing severe financial hardship who have no other way to meet essential living costs.
Support may be available for:
- Food and essential household items
- Gas, electricity and heating costs
- Clothing and personal hygiene items
- Essential household goods, such as beds, fridges and cookers
- Emergency housing-related costs
- Essential travel expenses
Who can apply for a Crisis Payment?
You may be able to apply if you:
- Live in Stoke-on-Trent
- Are aged 16 or over
- Are legally resident in the UK
- Have a low household income
- Are experiencing a financial crisis or unexpected financial difficulty
Please note: You do not need to be receiving benefits to apply.
How to apply
There will be several ways to apply for a Crisis Payment to make sure support is easy to access.
Details of how to apply will be added to this page when applications open.
Building financial resilience
The fund is not just about emergency support. It will also help residents access services that can improve their financial situation and reduce the risk of future hardship.
Support may include:
- Budgeting and money management advice
- Debt advice and support
- Benefits checks and help to maximise income
- Digital inclusion support
- Employment and skills support
- Community-based support services
More information about these services will be published on this page as they become available.
Accessibility and alternative formats
We are committed to making our information accessible to everyone.
If you need this information in a different format, please contact us and we will be happy to help.
Other support available
There are already organisations across the city that can provide you with support. Please click on the links below for more information.
Support through cost of living crisis
Information on services and organisations that are available to offer support is available on our VAST website. Click the link below:
You can also find information on other areas of support via our Support Services page. Click the link below: