Crisis and Resilience Fund policy

4.1 A Crisis Payment will only be awarded where the applicant meets the following conditions and agrees to accept support for debt management and/or budgeting (where applicable):

• they are resident within Buckinghamshire
• they are a low‑income household with savings of under £500 though this may vary depending on individual personal circumstances (in Buckinghamshire we define a low-income household when your income does not cover your essential living costs for example rent, council tax, gas, electric, water, broadband or food)
• they are experiencing an immediate financial shock
• they require urgent support to meet essential needs
• a needs‑based assessment identifies that assistance is required to prevent harm or further crisis

4.2 A Crisis Payment cannot be awarded for the following:

• non-essential and non-crisis items
• non-essential upgrades (for example larger capacity “upgrade”, smart appliances)
• dishwashers
• high-end models beyond “basic functional need”
• other furniture for example table and chairs, bedroom furniture and sofas
• ongoing or general living costs
• housing related costs that fall under the provisions of Housing Payments
• to supplement Department of Work & Pensions benefit claimants who have been subject to sanctions, conditions, civil penalties or overpayment action.

4.3 Crisis Payments will be used to support applicants with:

• essential furniture and household appliances for example cooker, fridge freezer, washing machine, beds
• emergency food or other household essentials
• emergency fuel for example gas, electric or oil
• short‑term financial support to prevent escalation of crisis