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Eligibility · Crisis and Resilience Fund (formerly the Household Support Fund)

Am I eligible for the Crisis and Resilience Fund (formerly the Household Support Fund)?

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In short. The Household Support Fund ended on 31 March 2026. In England, the Crisis and Resilience Fund replaced it from 1 April 2026 and is run by your local council, which sets its own rules. It is aimed at anyone vulnerable or unable to pay for essentials — you do not have to be on benefits.

The Crisis and Resilience Fund gives English councils money to help residents with essentials such as energy and water bills, food, essential items and housing costs. Funding runs from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029. Because each council designs its own scheme, eligibility, the type of help and how to apply vary by area — there is no single national application.

Content updated:

By the Money Guide editorial team · Editorial responsibility: Kaiser Khan, Editorial Director · How we check facts

·Amount: Varies by council — councils decide the form and amount of help

You likely qualify if…

  • You live in the area of the council running the scheme
  • You are vulnerable or cannot pay for essentials such as food, energy or water
  • You do not have to be getting benefits
  • Your council may prioritise particular groups under its local rules

You likely don't if…

  • You live outside the council's area (apply to your own council instead)
  • You live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland — use your nation's scheme
  • You do not meet your council's local criteria, or its current funding has run out

How to check and claim

  1. 01Check your council's website for 'Crisis and Resilience Fund' (or its local scheme name)
  2. 02Use GOV.UK's 'Get help with the cost of living from your local council' page to find your council
  3. 03Contact Citizens Advice if you are unsure which council covers you

FAQ

Do I have to be on benefits to get it?
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.
How often can I apply?
It depends on the council. Some limit household applications to one per year; others assess need case by case. Check your local scheme's terms.
What happened to the Household Support Fund?
Its final period ran from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. The Crisis and Resilience Fund replaced it in England from 1 April 2026.
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