BOOST Barnet Crisis & Resilience Fund

The main objectives of the fund are to support residents through financial hardship and to build long-term financial resilience

The BOOST Barnet Crisis & Resilience Fund (CRF) provides support to low-income households experiencing financial hardship, unexpected financial shocks, or other circumstances that place them at risk of crisis.

The fund has been made available to local authorities, through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), to help residents meet immediate essential needs while also providing opportunities to improve their long-term financial wellbeing and resilience.

About the Fund

Life can be unpredictable. A sudden loss of income, unexpected household expense, illness, relationship breakdown, or other unforeseen event can quickly place financial pressure on individuals and families.

The Crisis & Resilience Fund aims to:

  • Provide a safety net for residents facing financial crisis.
  • Help households afford essential living costs during periods of hardship.
  • Support residents to build financial resilience and reduce the risk of future crises.
  • Strengthen individual and community wellbeing through early intervention and preventative support.
  • Connect residents to wider services and advice that can improve financial stability in the long term.

Who Can Apply?

Residents can apply themselves, or applications can be completed by professionals on their behalf.

You may be eligible if you:

  • Live in the London Borough of Barnet
  • Or have been placed in temporary accommodation by Barnet Homes outside of Barnet
  • Are aged between 18 and 54 (or aged 16 or 17 living independently and financially responsible for your own household)
  • Are experiencing financial hardship or a recent financial shock
  • Have a low household income or limited financial resources
  • Need support with essential living costs
  • Have insufficient savings or readily available assets to meet your immediate needs
  • Are willing to engage with appropriate advice, guidance, or support services where suitable
  • Can provide information and evidence to support your application if requested

Evidence may include:

  • Last 2 months bank statements for all the accounts held
  • Proof of income
  • Evidence of the crisis you are experiencing
  • Evidence of benefit changes or delays – e.g. Universal Credit journal entries, sanction notifications, DWP letters
  • Any other supporting documents that will help us make a decision

What happens next?

Once applications are received, we aim to review them within 48 hours. If the evidence given is sufficient, the award will be processed. If further evidence is required, you will be contacted to provide this.

How is support provided?

We operate a cash-first approach, which means support will usually be provided through a cash payment, giving you flexibility and choice to meet your most urgent needs.

In some circumstances, a different form of support may be more appropriate, such as:

  • Cash-out vouchers
  • Supermarket or retailer vouchers
  • Essential goods or household appliances supplied directly

The type of support offered will depend on your individual circumstances, needs, and the most appropriate way to address the crisis you are experiencing.

If you have any questions, please contact CRFBoost@barnet.gov.uk

If you are unable to complete an online application or are unable to email us, please visit Burnt Oak Library, and a member of our team will be happy to assist you with your application.

Opening hours:
Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm.

We are here to support you throughout the application process.