The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) is a national programme funded by the Department for Work and Pensions. It helps local authorities across England to support residents who are facing financial difficulty, offering practical help at times of crisis as well as support to prevent future hardship.
Running until 31 March 2029, the fund enables councils to provide a range of support, including emergency help with essential costs and access to advice, guidance and services that build financial confidence, stability and long-term resilience for individuals and families.
The CRF has been introduced to ensure:
- Crisis support is available for people who cannot meet essential costs such as food, energy, or household goods.
- Long-term financial resilience is strengthened, helping households increase income, reduce expenses, and manage financial shocks.
- Fair, accessible support is offered through flexible and needs-based approaches.
This reflects a national shift toward cash‑first assistance, improved accessibility, and partnerships with local organisations to better support residents in hardship.
Residents will be able to receive support through several schemes under the CRF. Herefordshire Council will deliver support in the following key areas:
- Crisis Payments
- Housing Payments
- Resilience Services
- Community Coordination
Crisis Payments
Financial help for people facing a short-term emergency. A crisis is when someone cannot meet essential, immediate needs because of a sudden financial shock or unexpected drop in income. It can also include emergencies such as accidents, health issues, or household breakdowns that leave a person unable to afford basics like food, heating or essential household items.
Support may include:
- Cash-first payments (bank transfer, vouchers, PayPoint or similar). Cash‑first payments mean the council will prioritise giving people money directly, either digitally or physically, so they can choose and buy the essential items they need. This approach supports dignity and flexibility by allowing residents to address their crisis in the most appropriate way for their circumstances.
Crisis Payments are needs-based, meaning awards depend on each household’s individual circumstances. The CRF can offer flexible financial assistance to residents experiencing hardship, providing support for essential living costs such as food and water, energy and utilities, hygiene products, housing-related expenses, clothing, furniture, essential household appliances and necessary transport.
For eligibility and further information on how to apply, visit applying for a crisis payment.
Support for low-income heating oil / LPG households
The Government has provided additional funding through the Crisis and Resilience Fund to support low‑income households who rely on heating oil and LPG and are struggling with rising costs. This funding is intended to help people in acute need, especially where there is a risk of losing access to heating or hot water. If you are facing a heating oil crisis - for example, you cannot afford an urgent top‑up due to a sudden increase in prices - you may be eligible for support through a Crisis Payment, in line with national guidance.
For more information and to apply, please contact: warmhomeslocalgrant@herefordshire.gov.uk
If you need more help with heating oil, to reduce your running costs and get the most from your system, visit Marches Energy Advice.
Housing Payments
Crisis and Resilience Fund housing payments are free standing payments we can provide if you receive Housing Benefit and/or Universal Credit and you need extra help with:
- Your rent
- Other rent payments including rent in advance and rental deposits (where our other departments cannot assist)
- Other lump sum payments associated with your housing needs, such as removal costs
Housing Payments are usually awarded for short periods, helping residents manage a specific housing‑related crisis. Longer awards may be considered in limited cases, such as when a property needs extensive adaptations for disability needs.
Apply for this support and find further information regarding this scheme on our housing payments page.
Resilience Services
These services help households become more financially secure and may include:
- Income maximisation (benefit checks, employment support)
- Debt reduction advice
- Financial capability and budgeting skills
- Support improving savings or accessing affordable credit
Community Coordination
We work alongside local partners, including charities, community groups, advice services and food providers, to ensure residents can access:
- Advice and advocacy
- Food support
- Connections to specialist organisations
- Wider services that reduce hardship
Where to get extra help
If you're struggling to make ends meet, visit: Talk Community's Money on Your Mind website. Money on Your Mind provides lots of advice and guidance, including links to organisations that may be able to help you.
If you can't find what you're looking for there, email crisisresiliencefund@herefordshire.gov.uk
Citizens Advice Herefordshire also offer lots of support and advice. You can contact them via phone at 0344 826 9685 Monday to Friday (excluding Thursdays) between 10am and 3pm or find more ways of getting in touch on the website. Citizens Advice Herefordshire offers outreach appointments in community centres in Newton Farm, Ross-on-Wye, Leominster, Bromyard, Kington and Peterchurch, to find out more, check their website 'outreaches' section. They aim to respond to emails and texts within 5 working days and call from a private number.
Support from voluntary and community organisations
Local organisations are available to support local people who are struggling to pay essential bills as a result of the cost of living increases.
If you are in financial distress or hardship due to the cost of unaffordable essentials including energy bills, food and white goods, these organisations can help with advice services and benefits checks.
For more information visit Talk Community's Money on Your Mind.