You may be able to get a grant or loan to help with certain essential costs if you’re experiencing financial hardship. There are also grants you can apply for if you have a disability and need to make changes to your home. Grants do not have to be paid back, unlike loans.

On this page:

Grants from councils and local authorities 

Local councils offer welfare assistance schemes to support people on a low income to avoid a financial crisis.

In England, the Crisis and Resilience Fund is replacing the Household Support Fund from April 2026. You may be able to get a ‘crisis payment’ from your local council if you face financial pressures from a sudden drop in income, or are struggling with essential expenses, like paying an energy bill or replacing a household appliance. There are also housing payments which may help with some housing costs, such as a rental deposit. What you may get depends on the criteria set by your local council, so contact them for more information.

In Scotland, local councils offer Crisis Grants through the Scottish Welfare Fund. These can help people on a low income in an emergency. There are also Community Care Grants for care leavers or people who've been homeless, to help you set up home.

In Wales, the Discretionary Assistance Fund provides grants to people who need help in an emergency or with immediate, essential costs of living. 

In Northern Ireland, you can apply for Discretionary Support, which provides grants and interest-free loans for people in a crisis situation. 

How do I apply?

Disabled Facilities Grants (England, Northern Ireland and Wales) 

If you have a disability, you may need to make changes to your home so you can continue to live there, such as installing a stairlift or a downstairs bathroom. You may be able to get a grant from your local council to help you. You should apply for a grant before making any changes as you cannot get one afterwards.

How much you may get depends on your savings and income. You might need to pay towards the cost of the work. You do not need to be claiming benefits to apply for a grant, but if you are, your grant will not affect the amount you receive.

To apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant, you or someone you live with must have a disability. You must also intend to live in the property for the whole period of the grant. This is usually five years.

These grants are available in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. If you live in Scotland, contact your local council about grants you may be able to apply for.

How do I apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant?

Websites listing grants and financial support 
These websites may help you search for other grants:

Budgeting Loans

Loans are available from the government to people on income-based benefits, other than Universal Credit. You must have received a qualifying benefit, such as Pension Credit, for at least six months.

The loans can be used to help pay for things like furniture and household appliances, as well as rent advances, moving costs and repaying previous loans.

If you’re claiming Universal Credit, you will need to apply for a Budgeting Advance instead. 

Budgeting Loans are repaid through your benefits and are interest-free, so you only pay back what you borrow. 

You can borrow up to: 

  • £348 if you are single.
  • £464 if you are in a couple.
  • £812 if you have children and claim Child Benefit. 

How do I apply for a Budgeting Loan?

  • If you live in England, Scotland or Wales, apply online or contact the Social Fund on 0800 1690 140, or 18001 then 0800 169 0140 if you cannot hear or speak on the telephone. The Welsh language line is 0800 169 0240.
  • If you live in Northern Ireland, apply via NI direct or call 0800 587 2750 for a form.

Emotional support in a financial crisis

If you are feeling overwhelmed by money issues, it can help to talk to someone.

Our trained Stroke Support Helpline officers on 0303 3033 100 are there to listen, and they can give practical pointers about how to get help.

You can also contact the text-based support line Shout by texting 'SHOUT' to 85258 where a trained volunteer can support you with anxiety, stress or a mental health crisis.

You can phone the Samaritans any time of day or night on 116 123.

Return to the main Benefits page
Written and edited by
Jenny Simpson , Jonathan Jones , Gemma Harris