The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a sudden warning to all 24 million benefits claimants in the UK. In a post on X, the DWP urged people to ask their local council if they are experiencing a sudden drop in income.
Crisis and Resilience Fund
The DWP has highlighted its new Crisis and Resilience Fund, which was introduced in April 2026. This fund provides grant funding to local authorities in England to offer preventative support to communities and assist individuals facing a financial crisis. The fund covers the period from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029.
According to Birmingham City Council, the Crisis and Resilience Fund is currently open for enquiries and applications. It replaces the previous Household Support Fund and is designed to help households in financial need with essentials such as food, energy, water, and essential goods.
Eligibility and Support
To qualify for the fund, applicants must be Birmingham residents and demonstrate financial hardship, particularly covering food and energy costs. They must not have received a grant payment in the last 12 months and may need to provide proof of address or means-tested benefits. Importantly, receiving payments from this fund will not affect any other benefits.
The DWP's warning comes as 24 million people currently receive a DWP benefit, with the state pension being the most popular, paid to 13 million individuals. The local authority also offers additional support through Brum.chat, providing live chat, AI coaches, and personalised toolkits.
