About this guide
Current crisis and emergency financial-help routes in England, including council support under the Crisis and Resilience Fund.
Crisis and Resilience Fund
From 1 April 2026, England's Crisis and Resilience Fund provides local authorities with funding for crisis assistance and preventative support. Councils decide how residents apply and what their local scheme covers.
FIND LOCAL COUNCIL HELPOFFICIAL CRF GUIDANCEHousing Payment
Discretionary Housing Payments ended in England on 31 March 2026. From 1 April 2026, they were replaced by the Housing Payment strand of the Crisis and Resilience Fund for eligible people needing extra housing-cost support.
HELP WITH HOUSING COSTSWhat councils may help with
Local support can include food, energy, water and essential household costs. Exact eligibility, evidence and award limits vary by council, so check your authority's scheme rather than relying on another area's rules.
If you need help today
Tell the council if you have no food, no heating, no electricity, no money for essential medication or travel, or if children or a vulnerable person are affected. Also ask what food-bank, welfare-rights, homelessness and energy-hardship help is available locally.