What is the Crisis Resilience Fund?

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The Crisis Resilience Fund is money from the government that you can apply for.

Two piles of money the larger pile is faint and the smaller pile is in focus. There is an arrow going from the faint large pile to the smaller pile

Local authorities can use the new Crisis Resilience Fund to give money to people who are struggling to pay for the things they need, or who have had a financial shock like a sudden loss in income or unexpected expenses .

Someone with no money and old woman knitting and a young woman in a wheelchair

They are focused on giving it to people who are in or close to poverty, disabled, and older households.

Poverty means being very poor, without enough money.

The Fund will run from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029.

Can I get the Crisis Resilience Fund?

Anyone can apply for the Fund, or be directed to the Fund by someone who supports them. That might be people who work at a food bank, a social worker or someone else.

A man is sitting in an office filling out a form at a desk

The Fund is money to prevent people from going without essentials like energy, food, clothing and furniture.

When local authorities look at your application, they have to think about the extra costs you have because of your disability. For example, if you need to pay a lot for your energy bill or need to buy special food.

Over the last few years, local authorities used the Household Support Fund to offer support. That scheme has ended. Now we have the Crisis Resilience Fund instead.

If you get benefits, your benefit money will not change if you get help from the Crisis Resilience Fund.

How do I apply for the Crisis Resilience Fund?

Your local council should have guidance on how to apply for the Fund.

They should also have a way to apply without using an online form, like by phone or in person.

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What the local authority can provide

The local authority can provide cash to you if you are eligible for the grant. You can spend it on what you need the most. However where appropriate, some local authorities might give specific items like a new appliance, or vouchers.

Support

You'll also be offered financial resilience support which is help to:

  • manage your money
  • get the right benefits
  • support you from being in crisis in the future.

You don't need to take financial resilience support if you don't want to, but you might find it useful.

You should be able to apply at anytime.

You can contact the Learning Disability Helpline if you need more information about the Crisis Resilience Fund. They offer a free support and advice service for people with a learning disability and their carers.

Crisis Payments

Applications for Crisis Payments should be accepted from someone acting on behalf of the applicant such as an appointee, including a friend or relative, or a voluntary and community sector organisation .

Our Learning Disability Helpline can help if you would like support or more information about how apply.

Following a successful application local authorities should aim to deliver Crisis Payments within 48 hours.

Further money and benefit information and support

The Learning Disability Helpline

Our free helpline service offers advice and support for people with a learning disability, and their families and carers.

Find out more