Check if you qualify and apply
The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) is currently open for new enquiries and applications.
Completing the form does not automatically entitle you to a crisis payment.
We will be open to enquiries until all of the funding has run out. We may pause new submissions again if the waiting list becomes too full.
Scam awareness
We and Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC) do not send text messages to applicants or those on waiting lists.
Any text message that asks for your bank details or to follow a link is a scam. These messages are not associated with the CRF or any other CRF activity.
You do not need to pay a fee to apply for the CRF.
If any organisation asks you to pay a fee to apply, do not give them any of your personal details. Immediately report them on the BVSC website.
How to qualify
To qualify for the CRF, you must:
- be a Birmingham resident
- be able to show that your household is experiencing financial hardship, in particular covering food and energy costs
- not have received a CRF crisis payment in the last 12 months
As part of your grant application, we may ask you to provide:
- proof of address
- proof of means-tested benefits (if you receive them)
Receiving payments from this fund will not impact any other benefits you receive or are entitled to.
We can also offer additional support if you have a prepayment meter for electricity or gas. For more information, email crf@bvsc.org.
How to apply
To apply, you must complete the expression of interest form.
If you have received a grant in the past, you will not be able to apply until 366 days after you received your last payment.
You must not submit more than one enquiry form. If you submit multiple enquiry forms, all of your enquiries will be rejected, and you will not be called back.
You must answer questions so we can decide whether you are eligible for a crisis payment.
Due to the high number of enquiries, the expression of interest form is only open:
- Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm
- Saturday 9:00am to 11:00am
Complete the expression of interest form
What happens next
If you have completed the enquiry form, you will receive an email confirming it has been approved. This means you have secured a place on the waiting list.
You will be contacted by a member of the team to complete your full application. This may take 4 to 6 weeks.
Use our automated phone line to check the status of your enquiry or application by phoning 0121 634 7100. For other queries, email crf@bvsc.org.
Make sure your voicemail is turned on and that your phone can accept calls from private or withheld phone numbers.
Receiving the grant
We make grant payments directly into a bank account in the applicant's name.
If you do not have a bank account, you can learn more about opening a basic bank account.
Get more support
You can phone our support line at 0121 303 9944 for additional support.
If you are not eligible for immediate crisis support through the CRF, you can use Brum.Chat to find alternative support offers across Birmingham.
Page last updated: 27 July 2026
