A lot of people I've spoken to about financial support in 2026 haven't heard of the Crisis and Resilience Fund. That's partly because it replaced the Household Support Fund quietly in April, without the kind of publicity the old cost of living payments got.
But it's real, it's funded, and it's available now if you're struggling. Here's how it works and how to access it.
What Is the Crisis and Resilience Fund?
The Crisis and Resilience Fund launched on 1 April 2026 and runs until 31 March 2029. It's funded by central government but administered by local councils in England. The government has committed over £1 billion to the fund across the three-year period.
It replaced the Household Support Fund, which had been running since October 2021 and was extended several times before ending on 31 March 2026. The two funds serve a similar purpose — helping people in financial hardship pay for food, energy, and essential household items — but the Crisis and Resilience Fund has a broader aim: not just emergency relief, but helping households build longer-term resilience.
In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, separate but comparable schemes are funded through devolved government budgets.
What Does It Cover?
The fund is designed for people who cannot pay for the basics. That typically means:
- Food (including food vouchers for families with children)
- Gas and electricity bills
- Heating oil (particularly relevant for rural households not on the gas grid)
- Essential household items — furniture, white goods, bedding — in crisis situations
- Shelter-related emergencies
The fund also includes Crisis Payments for one-off emergencies. These might cover things like a broken boiler in winter, a flooding event, or a sudden loss of income that leaves a household without enough for food. There is no fixed list of what counts as a crisis — the council assesses each case based on urgency and need.
If you face an emergency the fund can't cover directly, most councils also have Resilience Services — longer-term support for things like budgeting, debt advice, and accessing ongoing benefits.
Who Can Apply?
There is no single national eligibility rule, which is one of the things that makes this fund different from the old cost of living payment. Local councils decide who qualifies based on their area's priorities and the individual's circumstances.
What councils are generally looking for:
- Urgency: Is this person in immediate need? Are they at risk of not having food, heating, or shelter?
- Vulnerability: Particular priority is usually given to households with children, older people, people with disabilities, and those with health conditions.
- Income level: You don't have to be on benefits to apply, but councils look at whether your income is genuinely insufficient for the need you're presenting.
Importantly, the fund is not restricted to benefit claimants. If you're working but still in crisis — for example, because of a sudden bill, a relationship breakdown, or job loss — you can still apply.
How to Apply — Step by Step
Step 1: Find your local council. Go to GOV.UK and search "find your local council." Enter your postcode to identify which council covers your area.
Step 2: Search for the fund by name. Once you have your council's name, search for "[council name] Crisis and Resilience Fund" or "[council name] emergency financial help." Most councils have a dedicated page.
Step 3: Choose how to apply. Your council must offer ways to apply that don't require internet access — so phone and in-person options should be available. Don't let a lack of internet access stop you from applying.
Step 4: Explain your situation clearly. When you apply, you'll be asked about your circumstances — income, what you need help with, and why. Be specific. "I can't pay my gas bill this month because my employer reduced my hours" is more useful than "I'm struggling financially." The more concrete you are, the easier it is for the council to assess your case.
Step 5: Expect a decision quickly. Many councils can process applications within 48 hours. Some can pay emergency cash or vouchers on the same day in urgent cases. If you're in an immediate crisis — no food, no heat, risk of eviction — say so clearly when you apply.
What If My Council Says No?
Councils do turn people down, and they're not always consistent about it. If you're refused and you believe you meet the criteria, you have a few options:
Ask why. The council should explain the reason for the decision. This can reveal whether you've been assessed against the wrong criteria or whether there's additional information you could provide.
Ask about alternative support. Even if you don't qualify for the Crisis and Resilience Fund directly, the council should try to connect you with other help — food banks, local charities, or Resilience Services.
Get advice. Citizens Advice can help you understand your options and challenge a decision if you believe it was wrong. Many CAB offices offer appointments by phone or in person.
How Is This Different From the Cost of Living Payment?
I want to address this directly because I know people are frustrated about the shift.
The cost of living payment was automatic, national, and arrived in your bank account without you having to do anything. If you were on the right benefits on the right date, the money appeared.
The Crisis and Resilience Fund is the opposite in almost every way: local, application-based, and assessed case by case. You have to know it exists, find your council's page, and make a case for why you need help.
That's a higher barrier. It means the people who need it most — those who are most isolated, most digitally excluded, or least able to advocate for themselves — are also least likely to get it without help. If you know someone in that situation, helping them make the call or fill in the form can genuinely make a difference.
Other Emergency Support Worth Knowing About
The Crisis and Resilience Fund isn't the only local help available. While you're in contact with your council, it's worth asking about:
Discretionary Housing Payments: If you're on Housing Benefit or Universal Credit with a housing cost element and you have a shortfall in your rent, your council may be able to make a one-off payment to cover the gap.
Council Tax Reduction: If you're on a low income and paying council tax, you may be entitled to a reduction. This is means-tested and applied for through your local council.
Budgeting Advances (Universal Credit): If you're on UC and face an emergency need for a large expense — a replacement appliance, work-related travel — you can apply for a Budgeting Advance. These are interest-free loans deducted from future UC payments, capped at 15% of your standard allowance per month from April 2025 onwards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Crisis and Resilience Fund?
A government-funded emergency support scheme administered by local councils in England, running from April 2026 to March 2029. It replaced the Household Support Fund and covers food, energy, and essential household costs.
Who can apply?
Anyone in urgent financial hardship who cannot pay for essentials. You don't need to be on benefits. Local councils assess eligibility based on circumstances and urgency.
How do I apply?
Find your local council on GOV.UK, then search for their Crisis and Resilience Fund or emergency financial help page. Applications can be made by phone, online, or in person.
How quickly can I get help?
Some councils process payments within 48 hours of approval. In genuine emergencies, same-day support may be possible.
Is this the same as a cost of living payment?
No. Cost of living payments were automatic, national cash payments from DWP or HMRC, which ended in February 2024. The Crisis and Resilience Fund is a local, means-assessed scheme requiring an application.
