Crisis and Resilience Fund (formerly the Household Support Fund): help with essentials
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Quick answer: In England, the Crisis and Resilience Fund replaced the Household Support Fund on 1 April 2026. Your local council runs it and sets its own rules for help with food, energy and water bills, essential items and housing costs. You do not have to be on benefits to apply.
The Household Support Fund (HSF) gave English councils money to help residents with essentials. Its final funding period ended on 31 March 2026. From 1 April 2026 the Crisis and Resilience Fund took its place, with funding set to run until 31 March 2029. As before, there is no national application: each council decides who qualifies, what help is given and how to apply.
Before you start: Skip this if you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland — each nation runs its own crisis scheme (see below). For benefits you are entitled to, start with a benefits check.
Content updated: 4 min read
What replaced the Household Support Fund?
The Crisis and Resilience Fund replaced the Household Support Fund in England from 1 April 2026. GOV.UK describes it as grant funding for councils to give preventative support to communities and to help people facing a financial crisis. Funding covers the period from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029.
If you are searching for 'Household Support Fund' on your council's website, look for 'Crisis and Resilience Fund' instead — some councils also use their own local scheme name.
What can the fund help with?
GOV.UK says councils can help if you are struggling to afford essentials such as energy and water bills, food, essential items and housing costs. Your council may also offer food vouchers to families during the school holidays.
The form of help is decided locally. Some councils make payments or give vouchers directly; others share out money through local charities and community groups.
Who can get help?
The fund is aimed at anyone who is vulnerable or cannot pay for essentials. You do not have to be getting benefits, and if you do get benefits they will not be affected by a payment from the fund.
Because each council sets its own criteria, check your council's scheme for any income, residence or household rules. Some councils limit applications to one per household per year.
How do I apply?
Contact your local council or check its website — GOV.UK's cost of living help from your local council page links to the council finder. Some schemes use an online form; others need a referral from a school, food bank or advice agency.
Have evidence of your situation ready, such as benefit letters, bank statements or bills. If you are unsure which council covers you, Citizens Advice can help.
What if I live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?
Scotland: apply to your council for the Scottish Welfare Fund. Wales: apply for the Discretionary Assistance Fund. Northern Ireland: Discretionary Support can help towards short-term living expenses or household items.
Other help to check at the same time
The fund is not a substitute for benefits. Check Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Council Tax Support. In England, extra help with rent is now a Housing Payment under the Crisis and Resilience Fund (Discretionary Housing Payments ended there on 31 March 2026); Scotland and Wales still run Discretionary Housing Payments. See how to apply for a Housing Payment or DHP.
Energy suppliers run hardship funds and payment plans, and water companies offer social tariffs for low-income households.
Common questions
Is the Household Support Fund still running?
No. Its final period ended on 31 March 2026. In England the Crisis and Resilience Fund replaced it from 1 April 2026, run by local councils.
Do I need to be on benefits to get help?
No. GOV.UK says you do not have to be getting benefits to get help from your council, and a payment will not affect benefits you already get. Councils set their own criteria, so check your local scheme.
How much can I get?
There is no national amount. Each council decides what help to give and how — for example vouchers, bill credits or payments through local charities.
Can I apply more than once?
It depends on your council. Some limit household applications to one per year; others assess each request separately.