Emergency Money: Where to Get Urgent Financial Help

When an unexpected expense or sudden loss of income leaves you struggling, knowing where to turn can make a big difference.

You might have run out of money for food, be unable to top up your prepayment meter, be waiting for your first benefit payment or need urgent help covering essential household costs.

Whatever has happened, there may be support available.

Depending on where you live and your circumstances, you could be eligible for emergency financial assistance from your local council, a charitable grant, food support, help with energy bills or an advance on certain benefit payments.

Some assistance is provided as money, while other support may come through vouchers, food parcels or essential items.

This guide explains where to look for emergency help in England, Scotland and Wales, what different schemes can provide and what steps you can take next.

Need help immediately? Start by contacting your local council and explaining exactly what you cannot afford, particularly if you're unable to buy food, heat your home or access another essential service.

This guide covers Great Britain. Emergency support in Northern Ireland operates separately.

Where can I get emergency money?

The right support depends on what you need help with.

Emergency support isn't always provided as cash. Some organisations offer vouchers, direct payments, food parcels or help with specific essential costs.

You don't necessarily need to be unemployed or receiving benefits to qualify for help.

1. Apply for emergency financial assistance from your local council

One of the first places to look when you need emergency money is your local council.

Depending on where you live, your council may be able to provide assistance if you're experiencing financial hardship or have been hit by an unexpected expense.

Support could include help with:

• Food and essential groceries.
• Gas, electricity and heating costs.
• Essential household appliances.
• Furniture and bedding.
• Clothing and other necessities.
• Essential transport costs.
• Other unexpected costs affecting your household.

The schemes and eligibility requirements differ across England, Scotland and Wales.

Emergency financial help in England

Since 1 April 2026, the Crisis and Resilience Fund has provided a new framework for local authorities in England to support people facing financial hardship.

The fund includes locally administered Crisis Payments intended to help people experiencing an emergency or financial shock.

Examples of situations where support may be relevant include:

• Having no money available for food or essentials.
• An unexpected household expense.
• Losing income or experiencing a sudden change in circumstances.
• A broken essential appliance.
• An emergency affecting your housing or living conditions.
• Needing urgent help with heating, electricity or water.

The fund is aimed at low-income households. You do not have to be receiving benefits to qualify.

A payment from the Crisis and Resilience Fund will not affect your existing benefit payments.

Councils decide how to assess applications and what support to provide. Assistance may be given through cash payments, bank transfers, vouchers or other forms of help depending on your circumstances.

How to apply: Contact your local council and ask about its Crisis and Resilience Fund Crisis Payment scheme.

Find your local council and apply for help

You can also read the official Crisis and Resilience Fund guidance.

Emergency financial help in Scotland

If you live in Scotland, you may be able to apply for a Scottish Welfare Fund Crisis Grant through your local council.

Crisis Grants are intended to help people on low incomes who are facing an emergency or disaster and cannot afford essential living costs.

Examples include:

• Needing money for food.
• Being unable to afford heating.
• An unexpected emergency at home.
• A fire or flood.
• Being a victim of domestic abuse and needing help to move away.
• Taking on the care of a child unexpectedly while waiting for benefits to transfer.

You do not necessarily need to be receiving benefits, but you must meet the scheme's low-income and other eligibility requirements.

Crisis Grants are one-off grants and do not have to be repaid if awarded. They are not intended to provide a regular source of income.

You can normally receive up to three Crisis Grants within a 12-month period, although exceptional circumstances may be considered.

How to apply: You must apply through your local council rather than directly to the Scottish Government.

Apply for a Scottish Welfare Fund Crisis Grant

Most councils aim to provide an application outcome within two working days, although some take longer. Tell your council if your situation is particularly urgent.

Emergency financial help in Wales

If you live in Wales, you may be eligible for support through the Welsh Government's Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF).

The fund provides two types of assistance.

Emergency Assistance Payment (EAP)

This is a grant to help with essential costs if you're experiencing extreme financial hardship and need immediate support.

It may help with:

• Food.
• Gas and electricity.
• Heating oil through approved partners.
• Emergency travel.
• Other essential items.

You generally need to be experiencing an unexpected crisis, have no other money available for essentials and meet the fund's other eligibility requirements.

For example, you may be eligible if you've lost your job, applied for benefits and are waiting for your first payment without other financial support.

Emergency Assistance Payments are not designed to cover ongoing bills that you cannot afford to pay.

Individual Assistance Payment (IAP)

This can help eligible people establish or maintain independent living by providing essential household items.

Support can include:

• Beds and furniture.
• Fridges and washing machines.
• Other essential household appliances.

Different eligibility requirements apply. These include receiving certain qualifying benefits and meeting specific circumstances, such as leaving care or prison, moving away from domestic abuse or needing support to remain living independently.

Applications for Individual Assistance Payments must be made through an approved partner.

How to apply: Check the eligibility criteria and apply through the Welsh Government's Discretionary Assistance Fund.

Check DAF eligibility.

Apply for help through the Discretionary Assistance Fund.

These grants do not have to be repaid if awarded.

2. Get emergency help with food

If you have no money available to buy food, you may be able to access support through a food bank or community food organisation.

Food banks can provide emergency food parcels containing essential groceries. Some may also be able to help with toiletries, baby products and other household necessities.

How do food banks work?

Many food banks operate through a referral system.

You may be able to get a referral from:

• Citizens Advice.
• Your local council.
• A GP or health visitor.
• A social worker.
• A support worker.
• A school or family support organisation.
• A local charity.

Some independent food banks also accept direct enquiries or self-referrals.

A referral will usually provide a voucher or other confirmation that you can take to the relevant food bank.

Where to find emergency food

Trussell food banks

Trussell operates a large network of food banks across the UK.

Find a Trussell food bank

Independent Food Aid Network

The Independent Food Aid Network provides information about independent food banks and other food support organisations.

Visit the Independent Food Aid Network

Food pantries and community shops

Some community organisations offer affordable food through membership schemes or small weekly payments.

Find community food support through Feeding Britain

Get advice as well as food support

If you're struggling to afford food, it can help to speak to someone who can assess your wider financial situation.

The Trussell Trust and Citizens Advice operate the Help through Hardship helpline for people living in England and Wales.

You can receive free, confidential advice about benefits, grants and other support, and may be referred for emergency assistance with essentials.

Help through Hardship: 0808 208 2138

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, excluding public holidays.

Find out more about Help through Hardship

People living in Scotland can contact their local council or the Scottish Food Aid Network for information about food assistance.

3. Get help if you cannot afford electricity or gas

If you're unable to pay your energy bills or top up a prepayment meter, there may be support available.

Don't wait until your meter runs out or your energy account falls further behind before contacting your supplier.

Contact your energy supplier

Energy suppliers have support arrangements for customers who are struggling with payments.

You can ask about:

• A more affordable payment plan.
• A temporary payment break or reduction.
• Reviewing existing debt repayments.
• Access to financial support, including hardship funds.
• Additional support if you're in a vulnerable situation.

Some suppliers operate their own grants or assistance schemes to help eligible customers with energy costs or existing energy debt.

Availability and eligibility vary between providers.

What if you cannot afford to top up a prepayment meter?

If you're using a prepayment meter and cannot afford to add credit, contact your supplier as soon as possible.

Your supplier must offer to help you. This may include providing extra credit in certain circumstances, such as if you're vulnerable or while you work out an affordable way to pay.

However, extra credit will normally need to be repaid through future top-ups. Your supplier must work with you to agree on a payment plan you can afford.

You can also ask your supplier, local council or Citizens Advice whether fuel vouchers or other local energy assistance are available in your area.

Where to find energy support

• Ofgem: Help with home energy bills
• Ofgem: Get help with your prepayment meter
• GOV.UK: Get help with energy bills
• Citizens Advice: Help with energy costs

These resources explain what support may be available and how to contact the relevant organisations.

4. Can you get an advance on Universal Credit?

If you've recently applied for Universal Credit and are waiting for your first payment, you may be able to request an advance.

This is designed to help eligible claimants cover essential expenses before their first regular payment arrives.

An advance may be useful if you need help paying for:

• Rent.
• Food.
• Energy.
• Travel.
• Other essential living expenses.

The amount available depends on your circumstances. The maximum is normally your estimated first Universal Credit payment.

Does a Universal Credit advance need to be repaid?

Yes.

A Universal Credit advance is not a grant or free emergency payment.

You usually repay it through deductions from future Universal Credit payments, over a period of up to 24 months.

This means your future monthly payments will be lower while you're repaying it.

Before accepting an advance, consider whether you can manage the reduced payments.

How to apply:

You can request an advance by updating your Universal Credit online journal, speaking to your work coach or contacting the Universal Credit helpline.

You will normally be told the same day whether your advance has been approved.

Apply for a Universal Credit advance

For more information about eligibility, payments and deductions, see our dedicated Universal Credit guide.

5. Find emergency grants and charitable support

Some charities and organisations provide financial assistance to people experiencing hardship.

These grants may help with essential costs, household items or specific circumstances.

Depending on the organisation, support may be available to people who:

• Have recently lost their income.
• Are experiencing financial hardship.
• Have a disability or long-term health condition.
• Have worked in a particular industry.
• Have caring responsibilities.
• Have children or dependants.
• Need essential household equipment.

Unlike loans, genuine charitable grants generally do not need to be repaid.

However, each organisation has its own eligibility requirements and application process.

Where to look for emergency grants

Turn2us Grants Search

A free search tool that helps people find charitable grants based on their circumstances.

Search for grants through Turn2us

Lightning Reach

A free support platform that helps people find and apply for financial assistance from participating organisations.

Support matches may include grants, benefits, help with bills and other local schemes.

Find financial support through Lightning Reach

Local charities and community organisations

Your council, Citizens Advice service or local support organisations may know about grants available in your area.

Some charities only accept applications through referrals, so ask whether an adviser can help identify suitable schemes.

Be aware that charitable funding can be limited and applications are not guaranteed to be successful.

6. What if you have nowhere safe to stay?

If you're at risk of homelessness or have nowhere safe to stay, contact your local council's homelessness team as soon as possible.

You do not necessarily need to be sleeping rough to be considered homeless.

You could need help if:

• You've been told to leave your accommodation.
• Your landlord is trying to evict you.
• You're unable to stay safely in your current home.
• You've been locked out.
• You're experiencing domestic abuse.
• You're temporarily staying with friends or family and have nowhere suitable to live.

Councils have housing duties towards people who meet the relevant legal tests.

The assistance available depends on your circumstances, eligibility and the housing laws in your country.

Help in England

In England, your council must help if you're legally homeless or likely to become homeless within the next eight weeks.

It may provide advice, help you stay in your existing accommodation, assistance finding somewhere else to live or emergency accommodation where you're eligible.

Get help if you're homeless or at risk of homelessness

Help in Scotland

If you're homeless or at risk of homelessness in Scotland, contact your local council.

Scottish councils have legal duties to assess your situation, provide advice and assistance, and offer temporary accommodation if you need it.

Get help if you're homeless or have nowhere safe to stay in Scotland

Help in Wales

If you're homeless or at risk of losing your home in Wales, contact your local council's housing options or homelessness team.

Local authorities are responsible for assessing housing needs and providing homelessness advice and support.

Find homelessness, housing advice and support in Wales

If you're in immediate danger, call 999.

7. What should you do if you're struggling with several expenses?

Sometimes an emergency is not caused by one unexpected cost. It may be a combination of overdue bills, reduced income, debt repayments and everyday living expenses.

In this situation, it can help to separate the immediate emergency from the longer-term financial problem.

Start by identifying what you need most urgently:

• Food and essential household supplies.
• Electricity, gas and heating.
• Somewhere safe to stay.
• Medication or essential travel.
• Rent and other housing costs.

Then contact the relevant support organisations and explain what is happening.

If you have several debts or missed payments, speak to a free debt adviser rather than trying to manage every creditor separately without advice.

You can also explore the Behind on Bills guide for more information about dealing with arrears and arranging affordable payments.

8. Be careful about borrowing money in an emergency

When you need money urgently, borrowing can seem like the quickest solution.

However, high-cost credit can make financial difficulties worse, particularly if you are already struggling with repayments.

Before borrowing, consider:

• Whether there is a grant or support scheme you could use instead.
• Whether your supplier or creditor can offer more time to pay.
• The total interest and fees.
• Whether repayments are realistically affordable.
• What happens if your circumstances change.

Be particularly cautious of payday loans, high-cost short-term credit and lenders advertising guaranteed approval.

If you decide to borrow, check that the provider is authorised and understand the full repayment terms before agreeing.

You should never feel pressured into taking out a loan to access a supposed grant or emergency payment.

If you're struggling with debt, consider speaking to a free debt adviser before taking on further borrowing.

9. Watch out for emergency money scams

Scammers sometimes target people experiencing financial hardship because they know people may be desperate for help.

Be careful of anyone who:

• Promises guaranteed grants in exchange for an upfront fee.
• Claims they can guarantee benefit approval.
• Asks you to pay money to release an emergency payment.
• Requests your banking passwords or security codes.
• Offers loans without clearly explaining the costs.
• Asks to use your bank account to receive or transfer money.
• Pressures you into making an immediate decision.

Use official government websites and contact organisations through their published contact details.

Genuine support organisations should be able to explain their eligibility requirements and application process.

Never let someone use your bank account to move money for them. This could involve money muling and expose you to serious financial and criminal consequences.

What to do next if you need emergency money

If you're dealing with an immediate financial problem, here are some practical steps you can take.

1. Identify what you need most urgently. Work out whether you need food, heating, emergency accommodation, money for an essential item or help with a payment.
2. Contact your local council. Explain your circumstances and ask about emergency financial assistance or crisis support.
3. Speak to a support organisation. Contact Citizens Advice, a food bank, MoneyHelper or another recognised service to find out what help you can access.
4. Contact relevant suppliers or creditors. Explain your situation and ask about temporary support, hardship funds or affordable payment arrangements.
5. Check your wider entitlement. Use a benefits calculator and search for charitable grants so you don't miss other support that could be available.

You may need to provide information about your income, savings, household circumstances and the emergency you're experiencing. Requirements vary between schemes.

Keep records of applications and conversations, and ask what to do if your request is refused.

Find the right help with Monzenta

When you're dealing with an unexpected financial emergency, finding the right support is more important than taking on unnecessary risks.

There may be help available through your local council, government support schemes, charities, food organisations, energy suppliers or benefits.

Monzenta brings useful financial information and earning opportunities together so you can explore your options and understand what might be available.

We don't provide emergency payments, loans or grants, and we cannot guarantee that an application for external support will be successful.

Find the next step that's right for your situation.

• Need wider financial guidance? Start with I Need Money.
• Struggling with overdue payments? Read Behind on Bills.
• Want to understand benefit entitlement? Explore Universal Credit.
• Looking to improve your income? Visit the Monzenta Planner.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get emergency money in the UK?

You may be able to get emergency financial assistance through your local council, charitable organisations or other support schemes. The help available depends on where you live, your circumstances and the type of emergency you're experiencing.

How can I get emergency money today?

Start by contacting your local council and explaining what you need urgently. You could also contact a local food bank, your energy supplier or an emergency support organisation. However, not every scheme can provide same-day assistance.

Can I get emergency money without receiving benefits?

Yes. Some emergency assistance schemes are available to people who are not receiving benefits. For example, you do not have to receive benefits to be considered for support through the English Crisis and Resilience Fund, although local eligibility requirements still apply.

Can I get an emergency grant that I don't have to repay?

Yes. The Scottish Welfare Fund Crisis Grants and Welsh Discretionary Assistance Fund grants do not have to be repaid. Other charitable grants may also be available. Always check the conditions before accepting any support.

Where can I get emergency food if I have no money?

You can contact a local food bank or community food organisation. Many food banks use a referral system, and you may be able to get a referral through Citizens Advice, your local council, a GP or another support organisation.

Can I get help with my electricity or gas if I cannot afford to top up?

Yes. Contact your energy supplier and explain your situation. You may be able to access extra credit, additional support or a fuel voucher. Any extra meter credit will normally need to be repaid, so check the conditions.

Can I get an advance on Universal Credit if I need emergency money?

If you're waiting for your first Universal Credit payment, you may be eligible for an advance. It is repayable through deductions from future payments, so consider the impact on your ongoing budget before accepting it.

What if I need money urgently because I'm about to lose my home?

Contact your local council's homelessness team immediately. Housing authorities have duties to help people who are homeless or threatened with homelessness, depending on their circumstances and eligibility.

Can I get emergency money if I've lost my job?

You could be eligible for local crisis assistance, charitable grants or benefits depending on your circumstances. Check whether you qualify for Universal Credit or other support, particularly if you're waiting for your first benefit payment.

Does Monzenta provide emergency money?

No. Monzenta is an information and opportunity-planning platform. We help people explore ways to improve their financial circumstances, but we do not directly provide emergency cash, loans, grants or government benefits.