Social Fund Crisis Loan Telephone Number
Finding the correct telephone number to call you local benefit delivery centre™ Social Fund Crisis Section so that you can apply for a Crisis Loan can be difficult. Recently the DWP have changed their website structure and it is almost impossible to find the correct 0845 or free 0800 telephone  number for your area.
Crisis Loan Telephone numbers
0800 0327952this is the New crisis loan number
*****The GOVERNMENT CRISIS LOAN Scheme ENDED ON 1/4/13- CLICK FOR DETAILS OF *****
Calls to the Crisis loan section are free from any BT landline (this include call/phone boxes) and also includes calls from most of the larger mobile phone networks.
A Crisis application will typically take around 30 minutes and at the end of the call the person that you have been speaking to ( The Crisis Decision Maker) will , as it sounds, be making the decision on paying you a crisis loan or not.
If it is decided that you are eligible for a crisis loan, in most cases you will be given a choice as to how you want to be paid. you can collect a GIRO or have a DIRECT PAYMENT into your bank account, either of these will be dealt with on the same day.
One of the more difficult things to come across on the internet is the actual Crisis telephone number so that you can call and make an application, when we started this project we decided that what we were going to try to do is to offer a sort of support forum to those that wanted to get in touch with the jobcentre and make an application for help.
of all of the things that we have found, by either looking at the main sites or trawling through leaflets and handouts from the powers that be, actually coming across the correct crisis telephone number has been by far the most difficult. We are not sure if the new design of the DWP website is intended to make it difficult to claim but by golly are we sure that this is exactly what it does!
The telephone number is actually buried 7 pages deep and in such a way that when you search with GOOGLE you are very unlikely to actually find the telephone number anyway, and by the time you have tracked it down you may not need to call about your crisis anayway!
Thats why we have decided to publish the telephone number on this page
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what is the number to speak to someone about your budgeting loan
Iv just been sanctioned, i have appealed the jobcentres decision and filled out hardship form but no-one has told me when i would find out what the next decisions are. I dont know what to do as i live alone, have 65p emergency gas, hardly any food and no money to get to get anymore I am in crisis. Would i be accepted for a social fund crisis payment ?
Hey Suzanne, I used to work for The DWP. You are eligible to apply for a crisis loan whenever, they will then make a decision. If you are sanctioned however they will not offer a crisis loan to you at all. If your sanction is for longer than a 2 week week period (15 days or more) then you can apply for hardship. Which you can do at your local JCP by getting an appointment made. I hope this helps. I too have claimed for JSA before and completely understand how awful it is when your’e in a situation like this. Hope all works out for you. Best of luck x
Thanks Emma
Emma, are you interested in writing for the site?
Hi i am trying to find the right phone number for a crisis/social fund contact number?
Sorry , crisis loans have ended.
Is the social fund still available for people to apply for grants to make home adaptions if they have a disability? i.e. an extra handle in the bathroom or a shower stool.
If yes, what is the correct number to reach them on?
Many thanks
Hi there I lost my Wollet on the way between doctors and chemist and I have no money and leaky to do me till next week what can I do ?
Contact your local authority, or check the conacts above for help in your area.
learn to spell
Sorry I did’t mean to be flippant, but you may not be understood if if you call electricity ‘leaky’! As it gives the impression you had a leak but it has now stopped!! Lecky or lekky might be better!I am sure that ‘Wollet@ is ok though.
I was just looking at site to enquire about any financial help for ssp recipients. Looks like the answer is NO if they have stopped crisis loans.
Still there is always ebay or gumtree. Anyone want a kitchen sink for £50.
Good luck
I understand ur problem jack ,I am on 8 tabs a day through panic attacks and depression ,I feel sick right now as no food and taking tabs,zopiclone and vallium don’t work anymore ,ill just have to make do and have got a work focused interview on Fri which I’m very worried about
hi ive had a crisis loan about a month ago ive just started getting help with my rent and i amstill behind so i had to give my land lord most of my jsa now i have nothing and dont get my next jsa till the 15th can i get a crisis loan now as ive heard it has stoped thanks
Hi Stephen, crisis loans have stopped, however you may be able to get help via your local authority- did you get your housing benefit backdated?
Hi I am on jsa and I got paid today. On the way to do my shopping I lost my wallet with my money. I now have no money for the next 2 weeks. How long do I need to wait before applying for a crisis loan and is there any steps I need to take to raise my chances of being awarded a crisis loan?
FirStly I am disgusted after being declined a ccg for not having a social worker or have came out of prison?! I have had 3 reviews including 1 by the irs and still been declined. I have just moved to a house with 2 children with no flooring and hardly any furniture! I’m stuck because I don’t have anyone to help us and no one seems to be bothered that kids getting splinters and feelin unwell can anyone help?? Please
My ex partner claims ESA, he moved back into my address in janaury I called the job centre and told them that I’m at university so I am NOT entittled to any benefits however my ex partner will be moving back into my address to be help out with our baby. He had previously used my address as a care of address while he was trying to aquire his own tenacy however due to the fact he suffers from severe epilepsy that has not been possible as he needs to be somewhere people know and understand his condition as he suffers apena when he fits which is not only scary but also dangerous. The job center suspended his benefit as we apparently didn’t tell them he was moving back in??? Anyway 2 weeks after they suspended it they are saying to call social fund and get a crisis loan however they have added my (previous) debt to his and said because he lives here they cannot issue a payment and to call social services, but social services have said their hands are tied and cannot do anything. I have been supporting him with the remainder of my student loan, however I also have to pay bills, gas, travel costs, electric, tv lincence, nursery fees, course fees, book and printing costs, court fines etc and it has now got to a point where MY money has run out, I don’t get enough money for 3 people to live off and I am not yet in receipt of child tax credits so except for my student loans which are paid 3 times a year, I basically get £20 a week which is ok when its just me and my son to provide for but the little bit of student loan I had left for emergencies has now run out, my ex partner has no way of aquiring any cash and neither do I and to be honest I think its ridiculous that a single mother (single in having no partner) has to support the babies dad because the benefits he’s entittled to have been stopped. Surely there is something tha can be done? We are now facing the next 2 weeks or more living off next to nothing, because my son comes first, I don’t get my next loan for another 3-4 weeks and my ex partner’s claim is still suspended while they await a decision, its been like this for past 2 weeks and seems like it will continue for the forseeavle future, surely someone can help him?
i applyed for a budgeting loan and was approved i recived the letter back to sign and send bak the day the letter came i was late to sign on so i nw have to make a rapid reclaim will this affecrt the decsion of the loan ??
Hi there I posted my declaration off so I could receive a Cris loan Tuesday afternoon could you please tell me when I would receive payment? Thank you
I’m 22 and have been homeless since june.. I’ve tried all means available to rent a room. Its a catch 22 situation, I can’t get a room without a deposit and I can’t get rent in advance without having a room, besides the fact no landlords want too accept dss anymore, they don’t want too hand out a pre tenancy agreement, I’m finding it impossible and have run out of friends sofa’s to sleep on, when I did manage to find someone willing to speak to crisis loan, the job center employee told me that because I’ve been homeless for so long I’m not vulnerable and not eligble for over the phone rent in advance, by the time the form has been processed it will be too late… How do I get around this, and how much do they offer for rent in advance because I cant work out my price limit on a room?
hii, i got paid on tuesday with £60 this is to help towards look after me and my 3month old baby however i have now lost my purse somewhere so im without money till next monday doesnt seem a long time but it does when all i have is a few tins of beans and loaf of bread in my fridge and nothing in my freezer will i be accepted for a crisis loan?
yes but only if this is the first time you have lost your purse and made a claim for a crisis loan because they will not believe you if you have told them several times whilst asking for a crisis loan about losing your purse. plus by law they have to give you a loan because you have a child.
i,ve just recently applied for a rapid reclaim having signoff benefit when i got a temporary job,now i,ve signed up again while waiting for my application to be approved, can i apply for crisis loan because am indeed in a crisis!
Our forefathers fought in 2 world wars and gave their lives up for our futures. We do have a god given right to the wefare state. They earned it to be there for us.
I’ve just had to use it.
Thank-god it’s there.
Got a crisis loan of £29 to see my & my daughter through till next week. Was on hold for about 15 mins. The guy on the other end was really nice & helpful.
It’s not a lot but it’ll put food in our mouths till other things get sorted out.
first off i signed on a monday then i should get paid on thursday but when it came to thursday my money did’nt come in and then i rang benifits there said there got no sign from job center so i rang job center back for send it there sent itto them no reply from them so i rang them back up time all this was done i didnt have time to ask for one of them loans how lazy can people get!! cant even pick up a phone and ring back to people also i sign on and the woman who sign me on NEEDS RETRAINING he was rude as well saying what job search did you do and i hown her all my work and she said well i seen better but i had two lots of paper work better then some people that came in country an getting money for just sitting on there fat ars’s all day doing nothing, what i been looking for etc then now its 4 pm i rang them back to see what there going to do there said i got to wait till after bank holiday on wednesday now to get my money i said wtf? i do all your stuff ya want me to do and then dont pay me on the right day how good is that now i cant pay for my bills ele or gas or food i need my money now how do i get my money there own me 150 pounds i need it now to pay off my bills shopping and stuff ?????????????? and i want to formalcomplant towards staff in halifax on how rude job center in halifax staff are i really need my money asap would police station give me 150 pounds to pay my bills? or how dose it work
James,
The police would only give you money for food, and gas/electric if you were on meters, or were in danger of being cut of right away. a complaint form is called a GL24.
Hi there, I would like to know if I would be able to get help as my partner and I have just split up and she kicked me out. Now I work full time and I have also found a room in a shared house but It will take me weeks to save the money and by then the room could of gone, Plus im staying at my mums but its not big here and I can only stay for a couple of weeks as she recieves benefit for my brother as he Has ASD. So would you be able to help or will I just have to get on with it?
Thanks for taking the time to look and I hope to get a reply
If you r in work they will not award you a rent in advance loans..
hi i have just asked 4 a crisis loan because i have had 3 in the last year it was not given to me i think this is unfair i have no money no food gas or electric i have diabetes and my son has a breathing problem age 2 i would not of call 4 a crisis loan if i didnt need one i really dont know what i am going to do i have to pay the loan back which i am aware of i hope u can help as i have no friends or family that can thank u georgina
it may be that one is not counted, were any of them for when your benefit was late?
i need a crises loan for over the weekend can you help me i need the 24 hour number
Sorry for the slow reply, I did see that someone else had replied when I checked ( they must not have pressed send?)
Anyhow, they don’t have a 24 hour number any longer ( well they do but you can’t have it) the number is given to the local police station who call on your behalf and speak to an out of hour number.
Poop into your closest police station and they will get the ball rolling for you.
The ‘bottom line’ is that the Conservatives hate children, and hate those with children. Make no mistake, these people care not whether you live or die – that is fact. It has never been harder to receive financial and physical help from the ‘system’. I personally spend every day fighting my corner, as well as others that deserve the help, and as for those that abuse the system, the idle, the drunks, the druggies, and those that go about threatening and causing society problems – I used to tolerate and even condone such behaviour in some circumstances, but now I do not hesistate to report everybody, and I mean absolutely everybody that I find to be taking advantage of the ‘system’ – I will no longer tolerate these parasites, and do everything in my power to have them brought before the Courts, and to have their benefits removed, and for money that they have defrauded to be paid back. I sympathise with all those on here, especially those with children, who are clearly having a difficult time.
I am being made homeless in less than 2 weeks and need help to pay the rent in advance, I am a single parent who works 16 hours witjh 4 children and 2 are high level care registered disabled. we will be on the streets unless I can get the first months rent to the new landlord by end of today which is £1,400 I have posted an application as I thought I would have enough time to find a property but as I need a 4 bed within the new capped LHA rate as near to the hospitals for the children it has proved near impossible, many landlords won’t take dss and as I have viewed the few that do, as I have asked them to wait for 10-14 days for the 1st months rent, the properties have gone. I have now got a landlord who has given me until end of day today, and will not issue be with a tenancy agreement until I have paid for everything. I really need this home for the children and me, and need to know if I could ring the crisis loan department to ask if they could let me know if they will offer me the loan and if yes can they fast track it for same day. I have managed to find the £370 for the holding deposit but as time is now running on on the agreed timescale to get the money for the property not only will I lose the holding deposit but also the property and I had to borrow the holding deposit, so I will be in even more problems. Can you help
Michele,
don’t wait for a paper application- give them a call right away to stand a chance of payment
I have applied for a crisis loan because i tried to apply for a community care grant for my new house which i got on march 21st but i was refused a ccg because i tried to apply for one last october to help me with a private let but i didnt receive money off them in the end. I would like to know when the crisis loan will get back to me as i sent it away over 2 weeks ago and the housing are on at me wondering when im moving in and i havent got anything to move in with as i was staying with my gran with my 1 year old son.
Give them a buzz just to check that they have your form.
Hi, I applied for a budget loan last wednesday and have not heard anything as yet. Im getting concerned now as part of the loan is for travel costs to get to my mother in laws funeral on friday and i cant afford to get their otherwise. Please advise. many thanks
Give them a call and chase it up first thing, as they have to send your acceptance letter out and get that back before they give you money- maybe best to fax it at your job centre when you get it
My ESA reaches my account every 2 Saturdays however today there had been no deposit! I have just moved into a home after being ‘street’ homeless since December and now have, in anticipation of having money this weekend no gas, electricity or food. Since i am without white goods i have nowhere to store or cook food and now i cant put the heating on or have a bath. I have tried the local job centre numbers along with the apparent ‘crisis’ loan number and have been told by an automated voice that they are closed and to call back later!
I suffer with depression, anxiety/panic attacks, ezchema and mayalgia which means that i can not take my medications without being sick and if i do not clean my skin (and flare up’s) its overall condition becomes dramatically worse. This has taken me a long time to have diagnosed and treat and aside from the fact that this effects my self confidence i do not wish for this to deteriorate now.
Please can you help?
Jack, you can go to your local police station and they may be able to get in touch with the social fund section out of hours service of you.
hi i need a crisis loan as ive lost my wallet with my jsa payment … i also have recently moved to dagenham due to family problems and really need some money untill i do a live tranfer to dagenham job center … i have no money im staying with friends untill i get back on my feet and would also like to pay them a bit of money for keeping me housed
They won’t pay for housing Matthew, but a lost wallet should be fine, and mean that they will give you a bit of money for food.
is there any number for a crisis on a saturday
JD
they are not open on a saturday, however you can go to your local police station who have a special number to call them on for an out of hours service.
Nobody answers the phone! I’d already applied by post and have heard nothing 4 weeks later. I need the money as soon as possible as I’m in a “CRISIS”. Terrible Customer Service!
I was on hold for over an hour only for them to answer at 6 and tell me lines are now closed and I’d have to ring back tomorrow. To be honest with you, I’d rather they’d just cut me off!
ring em at 9am dead on and you normally only have to wait 20 min before the 45min to a hour call they want to have
Frank,
the call times are generally 20 minutes- when you call stay on the phone, dont call several times as you will be put to the back of the que each time
i have started a job last week i dont get my wages for a month do can i get a crisis loan
Hi Jamie- apply for a crisis loan on the basis of needing an alinement to wages.
I can’t under stand how they just cut ppl off . They stop my ESA the dwp e mail’d my gp and told her not to give me any more sick notes as I had missed a appointment 25 miles from my home and on the same day I had court for eviction as my housing benefit had stop so I went to court and just about kept my house and could not afford to ring the dwp on there 0845 number wiche cost a arm and leg and I have no land line or credit so my money has stop sinc the 2 nd of feb it’s now April the 2 nd with no money ? I’ve had to do some mad things just to get by that I’m not proud of . But my ESA claims still showing as live ? So I still can’t get a jsa payment ? I was snide off with depression wich I take med’s for i was a fork lift driver but with these med’s I can’t opparate machineary . Just on the phone for a crisis lone as I was wrighting this for 30 the lady said I’ve had 3 already and hung up ? I feel like goin in the job centre and knocking a few people out just to get my case looked at I no its a bad atatude but I don’t what else left I can do ?
Marc,
The decision maker that you spoke to has the rules wrapped around her neck.
Yes you can only apply 3 times in 12 months for lost/stolen or emergency situations, BUT ( if you have claimed JSA and are awaiting a decision??) is classed as an alignment to benefit- these are NOT covered by the 3/12 month rule, and therefore you can be considered for a loan.
call back and start of by saying that you are plying for an “alignment to benefit” and you should get a better response.
Was just wondering if you had the number to contact for the maternity grant to see if it has been processed thanks
hi ive rung today about a crisis loan and apparently ive had 3 in the last 12 months so i cant have one im really poorly at the moment suffering with anxiety attaks panic attaks depression the thing is my partner claims for me and he goes off on binges nowand again and he’ll be gone for a few days infact he doesn’t stay here permanentley but i was told a while ago that we had to claim together the because he goes of with the money and leaving nothing i was advised to claim for myself then i got myself a 4,000 over payment so we’re claiming together again and he went off again last week and he took the money so me and my four kids are left with nothing because i cant get a crisis loan no gas no electric and very little in the cupboared i dont know what to do now i dont get paid till friday
get a grip. off on binges, yous are basically taking the piss out of the system…get a job
i was living with a fella who thought he had a right to everything through violence and fear i stayed the benefits were claimed by me but he was paid separate after agreeing an amount he could have give it a try or better still for your 4 kids LEAVE HIM
these people dont care they never answer their phone i have no clue what is happening with my application for rent in advance and the council is useless
At present I live with my mum but have been told I have to find my own place within the next month. I have been on esa for 28 weeks due to severe depression and I am considering applying for a budgeting loan. I have no social fund debt but have been told by a friend that a single person can only get up to £380 although it keeps saying on all the government sites that you can get up to £1500. I need a months rent in advance and I have absolutely no furniture. Could you please let me know what type of amount I would be considered for, thank you for your time. xxx I live in the North West under the Chester job centre plus address.
Hi Laura,
Apply for a crisis loan , when you have found a property- the limit is not £380, it is discretionary for rent in advance applications.
Thanx at last the num I actily want
I phoned for a crisis loan yesterday (a friday) and got told I couldn’t get 1 I was to late on phoning by 6 minutes wat a joke I then explained I had no money for food gas or electric so was told to ring the police o saturday morning I did this and was told they didn’t have a clue wat I was on about so now I’m left till monday this is not fair for people that relly need the help there is none but for drunks and druggies they get 1 all the time takes the piss!!!!!!!!
YOu have to GO TO the police station, the general enquiries number usually covers several counties so would have no idea of the local arrangement.
I just want to know if a crisis loan can cover the costs for a deposit on a property. I know it does rent in advance but i would like to know if they do the deposit aswell, as me and my partner need to get a property asap!!
I applied for a crisis loan recently and the process was completed on the phone in about 20 minutes , the person who was dealing with my application was very pleasant and treated me me with respect.
It is my belief that if you are calm and polite then you will also be treated the same in return.
I have also found that to be the case. They are just people at work, if something has gone wrong they are there to help. I’ve had two over the years, one very recently and they were both very helpful and understanding. I was even laughing and joking with one about lifes idiosincracies.
I’ve been trying to get a crisis loan for nearly a week now . I’ve been told because I’ve had 3 I cannot have another one . I wouldn’t mind if I was alone but I have a 3 year old daughter and I suffer from mental health problems for which I take medication ( also the reason I can’t work ) . We have been left with no gas no electric or food it gets really cold in my house and my daughter has become ill , my medication is not working as I have to take it with food I haven’t eaten in 5 days as I have no electric to cook my daughter has been living on bread and butter and water as that is all I have and there is only enough for her to eat . When I was declined a crisis loan they told me to go to social services so I did and when I went there they told me to go back to the job centre who again told me to go to social services . I understand that some people may think oh another woman having a child and expecting other people to pay , this is not the case I am very ill and I would love nothing more than to work and BE NORMAL but I can’t . I don’t know what to do I don’t think I can cope with another week of candlelight and no food or heating I’m scared my 3 year old will become extremely ill if this is not sorted what should I do
Your child should get benefits to cover them? Do you not get child benefit and tax credits? What has happened to cause your crisis?
Do Crisis Loan EVER answer the phone??? 2 hours and 22 minute I have tried and yet again been on hold for! My bag was lost this morning. It is the weekend as of tonight and New Year and I have no money and mouthes to feed.
our son died on Saturday.We rang to ask if the social fund could assist us to pay the initial £300 before funeral director even accepts the commission,but when we got through,we were told that “NO” we can’t help you.We will pay a payment in 16 working days.How exactly does that help folk who are already poverty stricken? IF we don’t pay that £300 there won’t be a funeral……?!!!!!!!?
Begged for a crisis loan,but that is for the living.Whilst I appreciate there are alot of people who need help NOW?????
I take it we are supposed to leave him on a trolley until the middle of January & it’s convenient to return to work & help us later on,maybe???
“”What exactly constitutes an emergency if it isn’t your son dying unexpectedly at less than 40yrs of age?”"”
we are his next of kin, there is no estate & we can’t even mourn him with the respect he deserves?
Heartless springs to mind………
They didn’t even want to help us fill the form in & my partner is disabled. Thanks DWP,great job……..
hi there is a special payment you can get called a berevment payment or funeral payment, that u dont pay bk, i got one wen my mum passed away quite a substatial amount aswell, hope this helps. ps sorry about the spelling,,, sorry for your loss x
Sheelagh/Anyone else,
No doubt Sheelagh you’ve managed to scrape yourself through this situation by now, but if anyone else is in a similar situation I might have a bit of advice… I was caring for my mum who had terminal cancer for about five months, and for a while we lived on her money, which was adequate, but thought I should claim Carer’s Allowance as I was already worried about the future. Finding time to fill in forms was difficult to say the least, due to being the only person caring for mum and sorting out practicalities whilst battling depression (the grieving process in these situations starts way before the person actually dies). I also got stuck on a question — same question was answered with no probs when I claimed Attendance Allowance on mum’s behalf before then, but on this occasion I had to attend an interview if I wanted to act for my mum in an official capacity. I’d been acting for her for months (she had a brain tumour), and her GP was aware of this, but still I needed an interview… Anyway, I didn’t have time, didn’t get round to it, then mum went into hospital and frankly I had other things on my mind by then. So I missed out on having money of my own. Mum died a couple of weeks later, and I was entitled to whatever she had left in her bank account but had spent a fortune visiting her, and then I had to pay an £800 deposit to the funeral director! Was terrified not to pay it in case it stopped the funeral going ahead, but this has landed me in so much trouble… Now I have no money whatsoever. I will try to claim ESA temporarily until I can get over the stress of the last few months and return to work as a writer. I have cost the government NOTHING, and yet haven’t been entitled to Funeral Payment because I haven’t been claiming benefits! I’m poorer than anyone on benefits, and yet I can’t get any help for ages because I’m not claiming. I only hope I’ll be entitled to the Funeral Payment when I do finally claim, as I wasn’t on benefits at the time of mum’s death. Honestly, I’m shocked at how ridiculous the system is. I’ve lived with my mum all my life, our finances have been shared, but I still might lose our Housing Association property at the end of all this. Had I lost my husband, I would have got a big payout (Bereavement Payment) from the government to help me through these first difficult weeks, and a guaranteed roof over my head, but because I’m just her daughter, nothing. The rules need to be overhauled, I think. Funeral Payments should be means tested. But from what I’ve learnt over recent weeks, as long as you’re on benefits when the person dies, you shouldn’t have a problem; just tell the funeral director that you will be paying by grant, and they should cover those initial costs. If they won’t, then there are other funeral directors I’m sure who will — make sure you get quotes from the outset and explain your situation before signing the job over to any particular director. Also, if you’ve been on benefits for 26 weeks or more, you should be able to get a budgeting loan to help with the deposit. Sorry this is long, but I really needed to get this off of my chest!!! Hope it helps someone…
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