A boiler breaks down, a wage packet comes up short, or a bill lands that you weren’t expecting. When money runs out like that, many people don’t know there’s still emergency help available from their local council. It just has a new name.
The Household Support Fund closed on 31 March 2026. In its place, the government launched the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) in England on 1 April 2026. It’s paid for by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and run by local councils.
What the Fund Is For
The CRF is meant for low-income households hit by a sudden financial shock, such as an urgent expense or an unexpected drop in income. It can help with essentials like:
- energy and water bills
- food
- essential household items
- housing costs
It also pays for longer-term support, such as debt and money advice, to help stop the same crisis from happening again.
It Also Replaced Discretionary Housing Payments
If you used to get help with your rent through a Discretionary Housing Payment, that support is now part of the CRF too. Many councils now call this “Housing Payments.”
Every Council Runs It Differently
This is the most important thing to know. There isn’t one national set of rules. Each council decides:
- who can apply,
- how much help is available,
- what the money can be spent on, and
- how you apply, whether by online form, phone or referral from a support worker.
It’s means-tested, so your income and savings will be taken into account. Some councils were still setting up parts of their scheme in autumn 2026, so it’s worth checking what’s open in your area right now.
Got Help Before? You May Need to Apply Again
Don’t assume you’ll get support automatically just because you had help from the Household Support Fund. Some councils have said clearly that people who qualified for the old fund won’t automatically qualify for the new one.
How to Find Help in Your Area
- Find your council. Go to the “Find your local council” page on GOV.UK and enter your postcode.
- Search the council’s website for “Crisis and Resilience Fund” or “crisis payments.”
- Have your details ready: proof of income, any benefits you get, and what the emergency is.
- Ask for advice if you’re stuck. Charities like Turn2us and Citizens Advice can help you apply and check for other grants you might be missing.
Living Outside England?
The CRF only covers England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own emergency schemes: the Scottish Welfare Fund, the Discretionary Assistance Fund in Wales, and Discretionary Support in Northern Ireland.
The fund runs until 31 March 2029, so it isn’t a one-off winter scheme. If money is tight, it’s worth checking now rather than waiting for things to get worse.
Maria is a dedicated news writer covering the latest UK updates on DWP, PIP, State Pension Triple Lock, Child Benefit, Universal Credit, and driving licence regulations. She focuses on explaining government announcements, benefit eligibility, payment changes, pension increases, and new regulations in a clear and easy-to-understand way.