Households struggling with rising bills are being told to apply for new payments from the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) – and you don't need to be on benefits to receive support.
The fund, introduced under Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and new Chancellor John Healey, replaces the Household Support Fund (HSF) and is designed to help families cover essentials such as food, gas and electricity. Local councils are now accepting applications, with payments varying depending on where you live.
What is the Crisis and Resilience Fund?
The Crisis and Resilience Fund is the successor to the Household Support Fund, which previously helped millions of households across England with short-term costs. According to officials, the new scheme will operate in a similar way, with councils distributing cash to those in greatest need. The fund is specifically aimed at vulnerable people, including parents with young children and pensioners who are at risk of falling into financial difficulty.
Unlike some emergency schemes, eligibility is not restricted to people claiming Universal Credit or other benefits. That means even if you are in work or have modest savings, you may still be able to get help if you are facing hardship.
Who is eligible and how much can you get?
While there is no central fixed amount, individual councils decide how much to award. Birmingham City Council previously paid out £200 grants to households under a similar cost-of-living scheme, and it is expected that many local authorities will follow a comparable level of support. However, the exact figure will depend on your council's own funding allocation and demand.
Applications are prioritised based on urgency. Households with young children, vulnerable pensioners, or those who have experienced a sudden loss of income are likely to be considered first. But even if you are not in one of these categories, it is still worth applying if you are worried about covering basic bills.
How to apply for the payments
To get help, you need to contact your local council – there is no automatic award. Residents should search online for their council's name along with "Crisis and Resilience Fund" to find the application form, deadlines, and details about the amount on offer. Each council runs its own scheme, so the process may vary slightly from area to area.
The Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC), which processes applications on behalf of Birmingham City Council, has confirmed that the transition from the Household Support Fund to the Crisis Resilience Fund will not change how people apply. In a statement, BVSC said: "The enquiry and application process will remain the same as HSF. Please be aware that if you are not currently in receipt of any support services including Universal Credit – you may still be eligible for the Crisis Resilience Fund."
Why you should check now
Cost-of-living pressures remain high, and many households that were previously just about managing are now finding it harder to keep up with energy and food bills. The Crisis and Resilience Fund is one of several measures introduced to ease the strain, but it requires proactive action from residents. Unlike benefits that are paid automatically, this support is discretionary and only available to those who apply.
Local councils have limited budgets, so it is important to submit your application as soon as possible. Some authorities have already seen a high volume of enquiries, and funds may be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis in certain areas. Checking your eligibility does not cost anything, and you have nothing to lose by asking.
With winter approaching, the timing of this announcement is significant. The payments could make a real difference for families who are having to choose between heating and eating. If you think you might qualify, do not delay – contact your local council today.
