Applications now open for North Northamptonshire Council crisis payment scheme

31 July 2026

Residents facing a sudden financial emergency can now apply for support through North Northamptonshire Council’s new Crisis Payment scheme.

The scheme forms part of the Crisis and Resilience Fund which the council are administering on behalf of the Government. It is designed to provide short-term support when an unexpected event puts a resident’s basic needs, health or safety at risk. The support is intended for genuine emergencies and will be accompanied by access to resilience services that help people build longer-term financial stability.

Crisis payments may be available for situations such as theft or fraud leaving someone without access to money, the sudden failure of an essential household item that creates a health or safety risk, or a sudden health emergency requiring urgent support. The scheme is not intended to cover routine bills, debts, ongoing financial difficulties or the replacement of worn-out household items. 

Residents applying will need to demonstrate:

• The situation is sudden and unexpected 
• An immediate risk to their health or safety 
• Requires essential costs to be met within the next few days

Evidence of the crisis must be provided as part of the application process. 

The fund replaces the Household Support Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments with one three-year pot of money that will be used with the aim to provide ‘fast crisis help’ and ‘strengthen longer-term financial resilience’.

We understand that unexpected events can have a significant impact on individuals and families, leaving them struggling to meet essential costs through no fault of their own.

The new Crisis Payment scheme is designed to provide timely support when residents face a genuine emergency, helping to protect their health, safety and wellbeing at a particularly difficult time.

Alongside this immediate assistance, we want to help people build greater financial resilience for the future. That is why applicants will also be able to access advice and support services covering areas such as benefits, budgeting and debt management.Cllr Martin Griffiths, Leader of the Council

Residents are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria online and prepare any supporting evidence in advance to help avoid delays. Those who are not experiencing an immediate crisis can still access the council’s resilience services for support with budgeting, benefits, debt advice and longer-term financial challenges

Further information about the Crisis Payment scheme, including eligibility criteria and application details, is available on the North Northamptonshire Council website.