Camden Council provides support through the Government funded Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) to help residents on low incomes who are experiencing financial hardship.
The fund provides:
- Crisis Payments – short-term financial support if you are in crisis
- Housing Payments – help with housing costs if you are eligible
- Resilience Services – support to help you manage your money and improve your financial situation
Crisis Payments
You may be able to apply for a Crisis Payment if you are in a financial crisis and cannot afford essentials such as food, energy or other urgent costs.
Crisis Payments:
- provide short-term support for immediate needs
- are usually one-off payments. If significant financial hardship is experienced within 6 months of a Crisis Payment, if you reapply, you may receive a referral to specialist advice
- follow a cash-first approach, but may be provided as vouchers or goods depending on your needs
- are available to people on low incomes, not just those receiving benefits
You may be eligible if you:
- have experienced a sudden financial shock, or
- are at risk of going without essential items such as food, heating or basic household goods
Apply for a Crisis Payment
You can apply for a Crisis Payment online.
If you cannot apply online, and do not have access to help via a friend, neighbour, voluntary sector organisation or support worker you can apply:
- by phone – 020 7974 4444
- or in person – phone 020 7974 4444 to make an appointment
Housing Payments
Housing Payments are funded by the UK Government through the Crisis and Resilience Fund.
You may be able to apply for a Housing Payment if you need extra help with housing costs.
You may be eligible if you:
- receive Housing Benefit, or
- receive Universal Credit with housing costs
Housing Payments can help with:
- rent shortfalls
- rent in advance or deposits
- other essential housing-related costs
Resilience Services
Resilience Services are funded through the Crisis and Resilience Fund and help you improve your financial situation over time.
These services can help you:
- check what benefits you are entitled to
- increase your income
- manage debt and bills
- build financial stability
You do not need to receive a Crisis Payment or Housing Payment to access these services.
You can refer yourself online or call 020 7974 4444.
Support for families
Supermarket vouchers
Low income families will receive support with the costs of food during the school holiday period. This is funded by Camden’s Cost of Living Fund and the Crisis and Resilience Fund. This support will continue until 31 August 2026.
You may be eligible if you:
- receive Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support, and
- have children aged up to 18
Children attending a Camden school and receiving free school meals will also receive vouchers.
If you receive certain benefits (including Universal Credit), your child must be registered for free school meals to qualify.
What you’ll get
- £60 per eligible child (Summer term 2026)
Important information
- vouchers cannot be reissued once they have expired
- if you have not received your vouchers, contact us during the first half-term holiday
- requests made more than 2 weeks after this may not be replaced
- you must use the online enquiry form
- make sure your child’s school has your up to date contact details
Accessibility and getting support
We aim to make our services accessible and easy to use.
You can:
- apply online, by phone or in person
- ask someone to apply on your behalf (for example, a friend, family member or support worker)
- request information in alternative formats
If you need help, contact Money Advice Camden by phone 020 7974 4444.
More help with the cost of living
You may also be able to get support with:
- food and energy costs
- housing and bills
- benefits and income