New Spring Cost of Living Payments for Households Not on Benefits
A new fund to support households is being launched by the Government, offering emergency financial assistance to residents in need, regardless of whether they claim benefits.
Emergency support will be available through the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), which targets individuals struggling to afford basic essentials like food and energy. People can apply to their local councils for payments from this fund, with no requirement to be on benefits to qualify.
How the Fund Works
Local authorities will prioritise those in financial crisis deemed to be in most urgent need of support. Assessors will consider financial circumstances and the ability to afford essentials, rather than focusing on benefit claims. Councils will make decisions on a case-by-case basis and are likely to offer varying amounts of money, which could reach hundreds of pounds.
The launch of the CRF has been confirmed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, and it will replace the existing Household Support Fund. Details on how to apply for cash should be made available on local council websites.
Government Statement and Approach
The Government stated: "Individuals will need crisis support for a variety of different reasons. This could be for the provision of food, utilities, household goods or other essentials." They emphasised that authorities should adopt a cash-first approach to awarding crisis payments, providing cash support as the default while allowing flexibility for alternative support mechanisms based on individual needs and preferences.
This initiative comes as the Iran war threatens to push up energy bills later in the year, adding more pressure on struggling households. The fund aims to provide timely relief and resilience against rising living costs.
