Can my council help with the cost of living?

What the Crisis and Resilience Fund is

The Crisis and Resilience Fund started in England on 1 April 2026. It runs until 31 March 2029. The Department for Work and Pensions gives the money to councils, and each council runs its own scheme.

It has four parts:

The Housing Payment replaced Discretionary Housing Payments, which ended in England on 31 March 2026.

What a Crisis Payment can help with

A crisis means a pressing need that needs action now, such as going without food, heating or a safe place to live. A Crisis Payment can help with:

• food and water
• energy for heating, cooking and lighting
• housing costs
• clothing, including school uniform and warm winter clothes
• essential furniture and appliances
• period and hygiene products
• essential travel costs
• broadband or phone bills

Who can get help

• Crisis Payments: you do not have to be on benefits. Councils decide their own rules.
• Housing Payments: you must be getting Housing Benefit, or Universal Credit that includes help with rent.

Getting help from the fund will not reduce your benefits.

How to apply

1. Go to your local council's website, or contact them.
2. Look for their Crisis and Resilience Fund, or ask about crisis help.
3. Apply online, by phone or in person. Every council must offer at least two ways to apply and accept applications all year round.

Some councils pay Crisis Payments through partner organisations. Crisis Payments are for occasional or short-term needs. They are not a regular income.

How you get the money

Councils are told to put cash first. You might get:

• a bank transfer or cash
• cash-out vouchers
• goods, like essential furniture or appliances

For urgent needs, councils should aim to pay within 48 hours of a completed application. This target does not apply to goods or Housing Payments.

Other help from your council

Your council may also offer food vouchers in school holidays and Council Tax Reduction.

If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

The fund is for England only.

• Scotland: has the Scottish Welfare Fund instead.
• Wales: apply for the Discretionary Assistance Fund. It offers an Emergency Assistance Payment for things like food and energy, and an Individual Assistance Payment to help you live independently.
• Northern Ireland: Discretionary Support can give a grant or an interest-free loan in a crisis. Your household income must be no more than £29,741.40 a year after deductions.

Related guides

• Is the Household Support Fund still running?
• Is there a Cost of Living Payment in 2026?
• Can I get a Budgeting Loan?
• What is a Discretionary Housing Payment?
• What is a Budgeting Advance?

Where this comes from

• Get help with the cost of living from your local council (GOV.UK)
• Crisis and Resilience Fund: guidance for local authorities in England (DWP)
• Discretionary Assistance Fund (Welsh Government)
• Discretionary Support (nidirect)