Short term financial help: grants, crisis loans and local authority schemes

Updated: 4 Oct, 2025
By Chris Salmon

If you are injured at work and suddenly lose your income, waiting for benefits or compensation can create serious financial pressure. There are several forms of short-term support available in the UK, including grants, crisis schemes and local authority help.

At a glance

  • Short-term help is available if you cannot meet urgent living costs after an accident.
  • Options include local welfare schemes, grants from charities and government-backed loans.
  • Each scheme has different rules and eligibility criteria.
  • Support is usually intended for essentials like food, heating, rent or travel to medical appointments.

Local authority welfare assistance

Most councils run local welfare schemes that replaced the national Social Fund. These schemes vary by area, but can provide food vouchers, essential household items, or help with energy bills. Contact your local council for details of their scheme. You can find your council’s website via the UK Government’s local council finder.

If money is tight, ask about sick pay, advances, and local hardship help. Speak to your bank early. Keep letters and receipts. These records make it easier to claim lost income and expenses later.

Chris Salmon

Commercial Director
Work Accident Advice Centre

Grants from charities

Many charities and occupational funds offer grants to people facing financial hardship. Some are linked to specific industries, trades or medical conditions. Grants do not need to be repaid, but applications often require supporting evidence such as medical records or proof of income loss.

You can search for available grants using the Turn2us grants search tool.

Crisis loans and advances

Crisis loans are no longer available nationwide, but you may be able to apply for a Budgeting Loan or an advance of certain benefits. These options are designed to help cover urgent living costs if you are waiting for benefits to start. More details are available on the GOV.UK Budgeting Loan guidance.

Discretionary housing payments

If you are struggling with rent because of lost income, you may be able to apply for a discretionary housing payment from your local council. These payments top up Housing Benefit or Universal Credit housing support. They are short-term and assessed case by case.

See also: Applying for council tax reduction and housing support after an accident and Universal Credit after a work accident: what you need to know

What expenses can be covered?

  • Food and essentials
  • Heating and utility costs
  • Emergency travel to medical appointments
  • Rent or temporary housing
  • Replacement of essential household goods

Evidence you may need

When applying for any short-term help, you may need to provide:

  • Proof of income (recent payslips or bank statements)
  • Evidence of your accident or illness
  • Details of your household expenses
  • Benefit award letters if you already claim support

Advance (interim) payments and injury compensation claims

If you have been injured at work and are facing urgent financial pressures, it may be possible to request an interim payment. This is an advance on your final compensation award, designed to help cover immediate costs while your claim is ongoing.

How this fits with benefits and compensation

Short-term schemes are intended to bridge the gap until longer-term support such as Universal Credit, ESA or compensation is in place. They are not usually intended as ongoing support, but can make a crucial difference in the first weeks after an injury.

Read more: Can I get an interim payment with a work injury claim?

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About the author

Chris Salmon is a legal commentator and co-founder of Quittance Legal Services. He has written extensively about workplace accidents, employment rights and the claims process. Chris's work has been cited in national media and he regularly contributes practical guidance to help injured workers understand their options.

More about Chris and WAAC

Last reviewed October 2025 by Chris Salmon