The Government has announced that from 1 April 2026 until 31 March 2029 a new Crisis and Resilience Fund will be launched in England.
The Crisis and Resilience Fund will replace the Household Support Fund and provides grant funding to local authorities in England to provide preventative support to communities, as well as assisting people when faced with a financial crisis.
The Council’s scheme will begin 1st April 2026
Set rate assistance payments will be made to recipients of Council Tax Support at the following rates:
- £100 for a household with children
- £50 for a household without children
The payments will be made on Friday 17th July 2026
Recipients of Council Tax Support who received a Household Support Fund payment in 2025 do not need to re-apply.
An online claim link will be available on this page from 1st April 2026 for new claimants
Discretionary assistance will be provided to residents who are in crisis and severe financial difficulty with significant debts.
The Council will be proactively contacting financially vulnerable households to offer assistance and to pathways to achieving financial resilience. A dedicated team, the CRF Team, will work with residents to provide:
- Pathways to financial resilience
- Money and debt advice
- Benefit advice
- Employment advice
- Access to education and skilling
- Debt reduction
- Purchase of essential items
- Short term daily living assistance
Emergency crisis assistance will continue to be offered through Discretionary Social Fund arrangements www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/benefits-and-support/discretionary-social-fund
This page will be regularly updated from April 2026 onwards
Frequently asked questions
Q) I want to talk to someone about the scheme
A) we are unable to accept enquiries until 1st April 2026
Q) I want to access the discretionary assistance
A) The council will contact residents that are known to be in financial difficulty. There is currently no application process to access discretionary assistance. Referrals will be made from debt teams, council departments and voluntary community sector organisations.
Q) I am in crisis and I need emergency assistance
A) The Council has a Discretionary Social Fund scheme for crisis. The information page is here www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/benefits-and-support/discretionary-social-fund
Q) I have heard the scheme will help with heating oil charges
A) Government has announced that funds will be given to council’s to assist with heating oil costs. This page will be updated with details of how to apply in due course
Q) I want a top up of my rent as Universal Credit/Housing Benefit does not cover it
A) The is a Discretionary Housing Payment Scheme. The information page is here www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/dhp
Q) I’m financially struggling in general and I need help
A) Please visit our cost of living support page www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/cost-of-living-support
