Discretionary Crisis Fund

You can apply for DCF if you:

• are aged 16 or over
• live in Solihull
• legally reside in the UK
• do not have enough money to meet a basic need

If you are requesting emergency help with fuel or food, please call us on 0121 704 8284, so we can assess what help you could get.

Please make an online application for all other support.

The purpose of this scheme is to temporarily relieve financial hardship resulting from:

• an exceptional crisis
• unsettled way of life
• being the victim of domestic violence
• experiencing an unforeseen crisis out of your control

This list is not exhaustive.

You may be eligible for the following support:

• essential household items such as white goods and basic furniture
• fuel or food vouchers (sent electronically)
• food parcels 

Difficulties resulting from everyday budgeting pressures are not deemed a crisis event for the purpose of the fund. 

DCF cannot help with:

• benefit sanctions
• lost or stolen money
• repayment of a loan or other types of non-priority finance
• payment of bills
• cash
• carpets
• council tax payments
• holidays
• repairs
• removals 

This list is not exhaustive and other items or services may be refused. Please refer to Appendix A and B of our DCF Policy.

To apply for a DCF award, you will need to provide:

• your National Insurance Number
• an email address and mobile telephone number
• fuel suppliers’ details, if you're applying for help with emergency household energy
• a letter from your doctor or hospital, if you're applying for a medical or disability need
• a crime reference number, if your application is due to you being a victim of a crime or domestic abuse

Please provide bank statements with your application to evidence your income and expenditure.