Crisis and Resilience Fund
The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) is a government-funded scheme that runs from 1 April 2026 until 31 March 2029.
£3.6 million is available each year to support Gateshead's low-income households.
The scheme will focus support and funding on services that help people and communities become more financially stable. By improving financial resilience, people can recover from money problems more easily, and they will need less emergency help in the future.
The Crisis and Resilience Fund is used for:
- crisis payments - occasional or short-term financial support for people in crisis
- Housing payments - financial support for people struggling to cover their housing costs in the short term
- resilience services - services provided by Gateshead Council or external partners to improve residents' financial resilience
community coordination - investment in activities that connect and enhance local support provision
Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) - individual applications
You can apply for help if:
- you have lost income following redundancy or a decrease in working hours
- you are fleeing domestic violence
- your home has experienced a flood, fire or other serious damage
- an essential kitchen appliance has broken
- you are recovering from an accident or other medical emergency
- your money has been lost or stolen
Eligibility for support is based in individual circumstances and what the crisis is. We will consider each application in line with the CRF scheme and we will look at other sources of income and money available to you.
You must agree to be referred to other organisations ('resilience partners') for help with financial resilience and further crisis prevention. Our resilience partners are the Advice and Support team (for council tenants), Age UK (for people over 50), and Citizens Advice Gateshead (for all other applicants).
Gateshead residents can use this form to apply for support from the fund.
If you are unable to apply online you can contact our Benefits team on 0191 433 3729 or [email protected]. They will review your circumstances and help you to apply. Gateshead Council tenants can get help to apply from the Advice and Support team on 0191 433 6161 or [email protected].
Those not eligible for an award through the direct application process may be offered other types of support.
If you need help to pay your rent, use the Housing Payments application form.
If you still need support
Help for council tenants
Contact the Advice and Support Team
Help for any Gateshead resident
Contact the Debt Advice Service (opens new window)
Services from Citizens Advice Gateshead
Anyone struggling with money problems can receive free, independent and impartial advice by calling the Citizens Advice Gateshead debtline on 0191 490 4248.
If you are unable to use digital services or online applications please call 0191 300 2363.
If you have any other enquiries, for example welfare benefit issues, housing, employment or relationship problems, call 0808 278 7902.
Lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
You can visit in person on Saturday and Sundays 10am to 4pm at the Davidson Building, Swan Street, NE8 1BG. See Citizens Advice Gateshead for more information.