We working with Citizens Advice Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (CABCP) to deliver a crisis payment scheme to provide short‑term crisis support for residents. For the purpose of this scheme, a crisis is defined as someone who experiences a sudden, unexpected event or shortfall in income that leaves a person unable to meet essential living needs, creating immediate risk without urgent support. 

What crisis payments can help with

Crisis payments are one‑off, needs‑based payments designed to help with essential, non‑housing costs, including:

• food and essential groceries
• gas, electricity or heating emergencies
• replacing essential items
• urgent travel linked to work, safety or healthcare

Payments are intended to address immediate need and prevent problems from escalating. They are not ongoing payments.

Examples of crisis situations may include:

• sudden suspension or loss of benefits
• unexpected loss of income
• fleeing domestic abuse or unsafe accommodation
• theft or loss of essential items
• emergency travel required for safety or healthcare
• lack of power, heating or essential utilities
• an unforeseen essential expense that removes all disposable income

How to apply

Applications and eligibility assessments are delivered by CABCP on our behalf.

They can offer:

• help to check if you’re eligible
• information on payment amounts
• advice and support alongside any payment

Visit the Citizens Advice website to find out how to apply.

Residents who receive a crisis payment will also be offered practical money and financial resilience support to help reduce the risk of future crises. 

Crisis payments do not include housing‑related costs such as rent, temporary accommodation or Housing Payments.

If your situation is housing‑related, you may be eligible for additional support under the Housing Payment Scheme.