Crisis Payments provide short term financial support to residents in Telford & Wrekin who are facing an immediate financial crisis and have no other reasonable means of support.
From 1 April 2026, Crisis Payments replace the Council’s previous Emergency Welfare Assistance scheme and form part of the new Crisis and Resilience Fund.
The Crisis and Resilience Fund is funded by the UK Government. Telford & Wrekin Council administers the scheme locally in line with national guidance, ensuring support is targeted to residents who need it most.

 

What are Crisis Payments?

Crisis Payments are intended to help residents manage a sudden or unexpected situation that has caused serious financial difficulty.
They are designed to provide short term financial assistance to help meet essential costs and to prevent a crisis from becoming more severe.
Crisis Payments are not intended to provide ongoing or long-term financial support but to help stabilise a situation while other longer term solutions are explored.

Who can apply?

You may be able to apply for a Crisis Payment if you:

  • live in Telford & Wrekin
  • are experiencing an immediate financial emergency
  • are unable to meet essential living costs
  • have no other reasonable sources of support available

Each application is assessed based on individual circumstances to ensure support is provided where it can make the greatest difference.

What can Crisis Payments help with?

Crisis Payments may be used to help with essential costs where there is an urgent need following an unexpected financial shock.
The type and level of support offered will depend on your circumstances.

Help with Home Oil Heating

Due to rising global oil prices, some households who rely on oil based heating may be struggling to afford to refill their domestic oil tank. The Government has asked councils to provide targeted financial support to help residents who are at immediate risk of being unable to heat their home or access hot water.
Support with home oil heating is provided through Crisis Payments and is intended to help households facing an urgent situation.
You may be able to receive help with home oil heating if all of the following apply:

  • your main source of heating is oil
  • you are on a low income
  • your oil tank is currently at 25% capacity or less
  • you are at immediate risk of being unable to heat your home or access hot water

Your oil tank gauge or smart oil monitoring app will show the current level of oil in your tank.

If the level is 25% or less, you may be eligible for support.
You may be asked to provide a photograph or screenshot of your oil tank gauge or monitoring app to confirm the current level.
A household may be considered to be on a low income if either of the following applies:


A. You are receiving one or more of the following benefits:

  • Universal Credit
  • Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
  • Housing Benefit
  • Council Tax Support

OR

B. Following an assessment of your household income, essential expenditure and any accessible savings or capital, it is clear that you do not have sufficient resources to resolve the immediate situation without:

  • going without essential items such as food, or
  • taking on unmanageable debt

How will my Crisis Payment be paid?

If your application is successful, Crisis Payments are normally made in a way that allows you to access the support quickly.
Where possible, payments will be made using a cash first approach, which may include:

  • a direct payment to your bank account, or
  • another suitable payment method where this is more appropriate

The method of payment will depend on your circumstances and the nature of the support being provided.
In some cases, payment may be made via vouchers or directly to a supplier or service provider where this is the most appropriate way to meet the immediate need.
You will be told how your payment will be made when a decision is reached on your application.

Working with us to build longer term financial resilience

When we consider an application for a Crisis Payment, we will also look at how we can support you to reduce the risk of future financial crises.
As part of the Crisis and Resilience Fund, we may expect customers who receive a Crisis Payment to engage with appropriate advice or support services that can help improve their longer term financial resilience.
This may include support provided by the Council or by partner organisations, such as:

  • budgeting or money advice
  • help to maximise income or benefits
  • debt advice or financial guidance
  • other resilience building support relevant to your circumstances

Where you are referred to a support service, engaging with that support helps ensure that Crisis Payments are used alongside practical steps to improve financial stability over time.
Any support offered will be relevant to your circumstances and aimed at helping you move forward, not to create additional barriers to accessing help.

How to apply

Apply for a Crisis Payment
If you need help with your application or are unable to apply online, support is available to help you access the service by calling 01952 380400.

Other support available

Crisis Payments are part of the wider Crisis and Resilience Fund, which brings together immediate financial support and longer term help to improve financial wellbeing.
The Council is developing a broader financial resilience support offer, which will be launched later in 2026. This will focus on helping residents reduce the risk of future financial crises.
More information about this support will be shared later in the year on our Crisis and Resilience Fund page.