Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF)

The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) is a national programme funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, helping local authorities support residents who are facing financial difficulty.
Running until 31 March 2029, the fund provides practical help at times of crisis, alongside support to prevent future hardship and build long‑term financial stability.

What the CRF aims to do
The fund is designed to ensure that:

• People can access urgent help when they cannot afford essentials such as food, energy or household items.
• Households are supported to build long‑term financial resilience, including increasing income and managing expenses.
• Support is fair, accessible and tailored to individual needs.

This approach reflects a shift towards more flexible, accessible support, including cash‑first assistance and stronger partnership working with local organisations.

What support is available in Herefordshire
In Herefordshire, the CRF offers support through several key areas:

Crisis Payments: Financial help for people facing a short‑term emergency, such as a sudden loss of income, illness, or unexpected expense. This support can help cover essential needs like food, heating or household items.

Support is also available for low‑income households who rely on heating oil or LPG, particularly where there is a risk of losing access to heating or hot water.

Housing Payments: Additional help for people receiving Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, including support with rent and rent shortfalls, rent in advance and deposits and other housing‑related costs, such as removal expenses.

Resilience Services: Support to help people improve their long‑term financial situation, including benefit checks and income maximisation, debt advice, budgeting and financial skills and access to savings or affordable credit options.

Community Coordination: Working with local partners to connect residents to wider support, including advice and advocacy, food support, specialist services, community groups and local organisations.