Crisis and Resilience Fund
Financial support – we are here to help
If you're facing financial difficulties, worried about money, or dealing with an unexpected change in circumstances, help is available.
Bradford Council and partners can offer a range of support to help residents manage immediate financial pressures, access the support they're entitled to, and build greater financial resilience for the future.
Whether you've experienced a sudden loss of income, rising household costs, an unexpected expense, health issues, or a change in your family circumstances, support is available to help you get back on track.
The Crisis and Resilience Fund, funded by the government, allows the council to provide both longer-term help and support that strengthens financial wellbeing and independence and emergency support for people facing financial hardship.
Support and advice available for all residents
Support is provided through Bradford Council and a network of local voluntary and community organisations.
You do not need to be receiving benefits or have applied for a crisis payment to access advice and support.
Help may include:
- Access to food pantries or food provision
- Information on local warm spaces
- Baby bank essentials
- Benefits and welfare advice
- Maximising your income
- Debt advice and support
- Budgeting and money management
- Affordable credit and savings options
- Access to local support services and community organisations
The Cost of Living Bradford website provides practical advice, information and links to local organisations that can help with a wide range of financial and wellbeing issues.
Other sources of support and advice
Food support - if you need emergency food or want information about low-cost food options, visit the Bradford Foodbanks website.
Benefits and welfare advice - find out about the benefits, financial support and welfare advice available through Bradford Council.
National support - the government's Help for Households website provides information about support available with everyday living costs, including energy, childcare and other household expenses.
Crisis Payment Scheme - immediate help in a financial crisis
Sometimes unexpected events can leave you struggling to meet essential day-to-day costs.
If you're unable to afford essentials such as food, heating, or other household necessities because of a sudden financial shock or significant change in circumstances, you may be able to access support through the Crisis Payment Scheme. This scheme is funded by the UK government.
What is a financial crisis?
A financial crisis may arise because of:
- An unexpected reduction in income
- Illness or health-related issues
- An accident or emergency
- Family or household breakdown
- Other unforeseen circumstances affecting your ability to meet essential living costs
As well as providing immediate support where appropriate, we'll work with you to identify any additional advice, guidance or services that could help improve your financial situation in the longer term.
Who is eligible for a Crisis Payment?
You must be experiencing a financial crisis, similar to the examples listed above.
The Crisis Resilience Fund is intended to provide both financial assistance and longer-term support. To qualify for an award, applicants will be expected to engage with an advice agency that can help them identify and access support, maximise income, and improve their financial resilience.
What information do you need to provide with your application?
To help us assess your application as quickly as possible, please provide the requested bank statements. Without this information, we may be unable to determine your eligibility and your request for a Crisis Resilience Fund grant could be refused.
Bank statements should be uploaded during the application, or if supplying the statements after the application you can email copies to us at crf@bradford.gov.uk.
How to apply for a Crisis Payment:
Please keep a record of your reference number, as you may need it when contacting us about your application.
You can also apply by calling us on 01274 432772, or visit us at Bradford City Hall Customer Service Centre or Keighley Customer Service Centre.
What happens after I apply?
- Once you’ve applied, you will get an acknowledgment email with an application reference number
- If we need any more information from you, we will email you
- Once we have assessed your application and made a decision, we will contact you
The wording on this webpage can be made available in other formats such as large print and Braille.
To ask for this wording in a different format, please call us on 01274 432772 or email us at crf@bradford.gov.uk.