If you are in severe financial hardship you can apply for an interest-free loan from the social fund. The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) provides these loans and there are two different types. These are:

• Budgeting loans between £100 and £1500. These are for anyone receiving Income Support, Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance or Pension Credit for at least the last twenty six weeks
• Crisis loans up to £1500. These are for anyone over sixteen to cover immediate needs if you have no other means of borrowing. You do not have to be in receipt of any benefits to apply for a crisis loan
  

As well as loans, the social fund offers community care grants which you do not have to pay back.

You can find out more about social fund loans on the Direct Gov website.

If you are receiving benefits, the DWP deduct your payment from your benefit. If you are not receiving any benefits you will have already agreed how you will repay the debt before you are given the loan.

It is possible to reduce the amount of your payments to a social fund loan if you cannot afford them. Contact the DWP as soon as you think you cannot pay to arrange a reduction.

If you do not pay the DWP may take court action to recover the money you owe. They can also deduct any outstanding repayments from any future benefit claims.