The Department for Work and Pensions has launched the Crisis and Resilience Fund, a cost of living support scheme administered by local councils in England. It replaces the Household Support Fund and forms a key part of the government's pledge under Prime Minister Andy Burnham to be a "cost of living" administration for UK households.
The fund is designed for low-income households facing a financial shock or who cannot afford essential costs. Unlike some other support, claimants do not need to be in receipt of DWP benefits to qualify, making it accessible to a wider group of people who may have fallen through the cracks of the welfare system.
What is the Crisis and Resilience Fund?
Introduced in April 2026, the Crisis and Resilience Fund is being rolled out across local authorities in England by July 2026. Under the scheme, councils have significant discretion over how to allocate support. DWP guidance states: "There is no prescriptive list specifying eligible expenditure for Crisis Payments; it is at the Authority’s discretion to determine appropriate support by taking a person-centred, needs-based approach."
However, the guidance also says the fund "may include awarding a Crisis Payment to support" with the following needs. This flexibility means local authorities can tailor help to individual circumstances, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all rule.
13 reasons you could be eligible
According to the DWP, the Crisis and Resilience Fund can help with a wide range of essentials. These 13 categories cover everything from basic survival needs to household goods and digital access:
- food
- water for drinking
- water for washing
- water for cooking
- water for sanitary purposes and sewerage
- housing costs
- period and hygiene products
- energy for any form of fuel that is used for the purpose of domestic heating, cooking or lighting
- clothing
- essential furniture
- essential appliances
- essential transport-related costs such as repairing a car
- digital and connectivity essentials
These categories are notably broad. For example, the inclusion of water and energy means the fund can help with utility bills, while period and hygiene products recognise the ongoing need for personal care items that are often overlooked. Essential transport-related costs could be crucial for people who need a car to get to work or medical appointments, and digital connectivity has become a basic necessity for job searching, education and staying in touch with services.
Who can apply?
Charity Turn2Us explains: "The fund is aimed at low income households and people who are vulnerable or cannot pay for essentials. You don’t need to be getting benefits to get support from the Crisis and Resilience Fund." This is a significant change from previous schemes, which often required claimants to be on certain benefits.
Applications will be prioritised according to local authority rules around need and circumstances. "Your individual circumstances will be assessed, such as your savings and income, and you’ll have to verify your identity and address," Turn2Us adds. This means that even if you have savings, you may still qualify if your income is low enough, but the final decision rests with each council.
How to apply
You can apply to the Crisis and Resilience Fund through your local authority's website. A quick way to do this is to use the Turn2us Grants Search and enter your postcode. The tool will direct you to the relevant application page for your area.
Because the Crisis and Resilience Fund is new, some local authorities might not yet be accepting applications. If your council hasn't launched its scheme yet, Turn2us recommends checking back regularly or contacting your local authority directly for an update. Once the rollout is complete by July 2026, every area in England should have a process in place.
The fund represents a key part of the government's wider strategy to tackle the cost of living crisis. By giving councils discretion to decide how to help, it aims to reach those who need support most, regardless of their benefit status.
