Need to know
The new Crisis and Resilience Fund will launch in April 2026 and will replace the Household Support Fund
What you need to know about two new cost of living payments coming in April 2026
- The new Crisis and Resilience Fund will launch in April 2026 and there will be two different types of support payments available. They will provide help for people who are struggling to pay their bills or afford household essentials, such as food.
- You will be able to access the fund through your local council and it will replace the Household Support Fund, which is coming to an end in March 2026.
- The first new payment available through the Crisis and Resilience Fund is called the Crisis Payment. This will be made available to “individuals in crisis” with councils given discretion over who qualifies for this support. This means you may face a postcode lottery over exactly what help is available in your area.
- The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued guidance which states the Crisis Payment should not be limited just to those in receipt of benefits. Councils are being advised to prioritise people who have experienced a sudden, unexpected expense or drop in income, or those who are at risk of financial crisis.
- Crisis Payment schemes should primarily offer bank transfers or physical cash, although councils have been told to allow people to option to ask for a voucher, if they prefer.
- There may be instances where councils feel it is more suitable to provide essential items, such as fridge-freezers and cookers, instead. Some councils may also choose to provide parents of children eligible for free school meals with food vouchers over the summer.
- The second new payment available through the Crisis and Resilience Fund is the Housing Payment, which will be designed to help with costs associated with renting, such as rent in advance, rental deposits or moving costs. This will to replace the existing Discretionary Housing Payment.
- You will need to be in receipt of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit with housing costs towards rental liability to qualify.
- If you are eligible, 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, where appropriate.
- 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 THE FULL STORY: DWP reveals two new cost of living payments coming April 2026 as scheme closes
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