Benefits and support

Crisis and Resilience Fund

Liverpool City Council can help if you are facing a sudden financial crisis. The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) offers quick help with essential needs, help with housing costs, advice on how to improve your finances and a connection to local support services.

Help in a crisis

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

  • food and basic essentials
  • gas, electricity, or water
  • clothing and hygiene items
  • essential furniture or appliances
  • travel costs, such as bus fares
  • phone or internet access
  • rent shortfalls or housing costs

This support is short-term and based on your needs. We usually offer cash vouchers or payments. Sometimes we offer goods or direct payments, if they work better for you.

Longer-term support

We also help you plan for the future. We also connect you to:

  • debt and budgeting advice
  • benefit and income support
  • employment or training help
  • local community services

This helps you avoid future crises.

Who can apply?

You can apply if you are facing a financial crisis. This may include when you:

  • have lost your job or income
  • have unexpected bills or expenses
  • are experiencing domestic abuse or need to leave a dangerous situation
  • are affected by fire, flood or another emergency
  • have broken essential items like a cooker or fridge

A crisis means you cannot afford basic needs right now. You may be eligible if you:

  • are 16 or over
  • live in Liverpool
  • are on a low income
  • do not have enough money to cover essential needs

You do not need to be on benefits to apply.

What the fund cannot be used for

The fund cannot be used for:

  • regular bills or as an ongoing income
  • long-term costs
  • expenses covered by other funds, grants and benefits

How to apply 

Apply online

First, you will need to create an account in our CRF application system using the link below. To apply, you will need:

  • an email account
  • proof of ID
  • full details of your household income and outgoings
  • recent bank statements, bills or benefit award letters to upload as evidence

Apply for help online from the CRF (liverpool.apply4.online)

Read our privacy notice which tells you how we use your data.

Other ways to apply

You can also apply using the options below:

How soon will I get support?

We aim to give support as quickly as possible. Urgent cases may be decided within 48 hours.

How to track your application

The fastest way to track your application, and leave messages for us, is to log in to your account (liverpool.apply4.online). Once logged in, please select 'My requests' then 'New requests'. 

Alternatively, call Freephone 0800 456 1523 or 0151 233 3053, Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm. 

Other help in a crisis

If you are struggling to meet housing costs, you can apply for Housing payments. If you need a benefits advance, you can apply for a short-term benefits advance.

Our promise to you

We will treat you with:

  • respect and dignity
  • clear and simple communication
  • fair and consistent decisions