My cl gets IB but is ineligible for IS. He needs a new washing machine and clothes and wants to apply for a Crisis Loan, but I'm unsure if he'll meet the criterion of having an 'emergency or disaster'. Could the fact that his existing washing machine has broken constitute an emergency? He says he sweats a lot because of his disability so needs a washing machine. His clothes are wearing out.

I've looked for guidance on what constitutes an 'emergency or disaster' but can't find much. Can anyone help?

The Inspectors include the following guidance on their FAQs section :

There are several elements to the qualifying condition, all of which have to be met for a payment to be made. These are that;
You must need to meet the expenses in an emergency, or because of a disaster, and
The situation means that there may be serious damage or a serious risk to your, or a member of your family's, health or safety, and
A crisis loan must be the only means of preventing that serious damage or serious risk.
"Emergency" is taken to mean "an unforeseen circumstance or pressing need, either of which requires immediate remedy or action". We give the term "disaster" its everyday meaning.

"Serious risk to health or safety" means more than mere discomfort or inconvenience. However, while the risk to health or safety has to be serious, this does not mean that medical intervention would be required. The possible consequences do not have to be immediate, provided they are foreseeable if the situation is not remedied.

While a crisis loan must be the only means of preventing the serious damage or serious risk to health or safety, alternatives ways of preventing the risk must be available soon enough and must be reasonable.

http://www.irs-review.org.uk/faq/cl.htm#paid

Any help?