Crisis and Resilience Fund

The CRF provides short-term emergency help to residents facing unexpected financial hardship.

It also offers advice and support to help your household manage your money and stay financially secure in the long run.

The help you get depends on your individual situation. Support can include:

• Rent and housing: Help paying your rent if you get Universal Credit or Housing Benefit, and are at risk of losing your home.
• Everyday basics: Short-term emergency help to pay for food, energy bills, and essential household items.
• Fuel and energy crises: Help if you are on a low income and facing an immediate fuel crisis or struggling with energy costs.
• Debt and budgeting advice: Access to free local advice to help you manage your bills and reduce money stress in the future.

Eligibility may depend on the specific type of support you need, but generally you must:

1. Be a resident living in the Thanet district (Margate, Ramsgate, Broadstairs, and the surrounding villages).
2. Be aged 16 or over.
3. Be on a low income, receiving means-tested benefits, or experiencing a sudden loss of income or sudden emergency crisis.
4. Be able to provide evidence of your financial hardship and current living circumstances.

Please note that funding is really limited and payments are awarded based on priority-need basis.

Services and funding are opening in stages across Kent.

• You will soon be able to apply directly through Thanet District Council’s online support services. You can also contact our customer team for advice by emailing crf@thanet.gov.uk.
• We will provide more information when the full county-wide rollout begins and extra ways to apply open. This is expected in late summer 2026.

Please email crf@thanet.gov.uk if:

• You cannot complete an online application yourself
• You need a friend, family member, or support worker to apply for you

Our team will give you advice on who to contact, based on your personal circumstances.

When applying, you may be asked to provide proof of your financial situation, such as:

• Recent bank statements (perhaps the last 3 months)
• Proof of benefit entitlement or household income
• Proof of identity and Thanet residence (Council Tax bill, utility bill)
• Evidence of housing or energy costs (tenancy agreement, energy bill/invoice)

If you need immediate support with other general cost of living matters, please explore the following resources:

• Thanet Cost of Living Hub: Information on local food banks, community pantries, and energy-saving advice.
• Kent Advice Hub: Free, confidential debt and money management support.
• Check benefits eligibility: Ensure you are claiming all the benefits and support allowances you are entitled to.