Need to know
The new Crisis and Resilience Fund is launching in April 2026 and will be designed to help struggling households – here is what you need to know
Household bills are still worryingly high(Image: DjelicS via Getty Images)
What you need to know about new DWP cash payments
- The new Crisis and Resilience Fund is launching in April 2026 and will be designed to help struggling households. The support will be administered through local councils and will include cash payments, rent help, food vouchers and more.
- It will replace the Household Support Fund, which is coming to an end in March 2026. The Household Support Fund was launched in October 2021 to give struggling families extra help with rising costs and higher bills.
- The new Crisis and Resilience Fund will feature two different type of support payments with councils given discretion over the exact eligibility criteria. This is similar in how the Household Support Fund works.
- The new Crisis Payment is designed to help people who have experienced a sudden, unexpected expense or drop in income, or those who are at risk of financial crisis. Councils are being advised that this should not be limited just to those in receipt of benefits.
- Crisis Payment schemes should be cash-first – this can include physical cash, bank transfer and vouchers – and operated primarily on an application-basis. You should be allowed to choose a voucher if you prefer.
- There may be instances where councils feel it is more suitable to provide essential items, such as fridge-freezers and cookers, instead. This can be reconditioned but still in good condition appliances.
- Some councils may also choose to provide parents of children eligible for free school meals with food vouchers over the summer.
- There will also be a new Housing Payment, which will replace the existing Discretionary Housing Payment. The new Housing Payment will be to help with costs associated with renting, such as rent in advance, rental deposits or moving costs.
- You will need to be in receipt of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit with housing costs towards rental liability to qualify for the new Housing Payment.
- Your payments may be backdated, and it will be up to the council to decide how long your award will last. Payments may be made to third parties, such as estate agents, appointees and landlords.
- A Government spokesperson said: “We’re committed to tackling poverty and delivering more security and opportunity for families across the UK. The £1bn multi-year Crisis and Resilience fund will help prevent households from falling into crisis by giving local authorities the certainty they need to provide emergency financial support.”
- READ MORE: DWP reveals two new cost of living payments coming April 2026 as scheme closes
