Each council runs its own scheme, so the rules, the forms and who gets paid differ from one area to the next. The quickest way to find out is to search your council's website for "Crisis and Resilience Fund" or ring them.
Quick facts
- Run by
- Your local council
- Helps with
- Bills, food, essentials, housing costs
- On benefits?
- Not needed
- Affects benefits?
- No
- Replaced
- The Household Support Fund
What it can help with
You may be able to get help with essential costs from your local council. This could help if you’re struggling to afford things like:
- energy and water bills
- food
- essential items
- housing costs
Your council may also offer food vouchers to families during the school holidays.
Who it is for
Funding is aimed at anyone who’s vulnerable or cannot pay for essentials. You do not have to be getting benefits to get help from your local council.
If you get benefits, they will not be affected if you get a payment from the Crisis and Resilience Fund.
Every council runs it differently
Councils decide how to run their schemes. There may be differences in:
- eligibility criteria
- if or how you need to apply
- who money is given to
For example, some councils share out money through local charities and community groups and some limit household applications to one per year.
Check with your local council to find out what support is available.
What happened to the Household Support Fund
In England, this support is known as the ‘Crisis and Resilience Fund’. It took over from the Household Support Fund, so if you are searching for the old name, this is the scheme to ask your council about.
If you are behind with rent, ask about it too: housing costs are on the list of what the fund can help with. GOV.UK now offers Discretionary Housing Payments only to people in Scotland and Wales.
Other help to check at the same time
Council Tax Support is a separate scheme run by your council for people on a low income or certain benefits. See cutting your Council Tax. If you get certain benefits you may also be able to get a Budgeting Advance or Budgeting Loan, and the free check shows the benefits you may be missing.
Common questions
Has the Household Support Fund ended?
In England it has been replaced by the Crisis and Resilience Fund, which your council runs.
Do I need to be on benefits?
No. You do not have to be getting benefits to get help from your local council.
Will a payment affect my benefits?
No. If you get benefits, they will not be affected if you get a payment from the Crisis and Resilience Fund.
How do I apply?
It depends on your council. Some take applications online, some pay through local charities, and some limit households to one application a year.