Crisis and Resilience Fund
The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) has replaced the Household Support Fund and provides support for people experiencing financial hardship or facing an unexpected financial crisis. This is not a like‑for‑like replacement: while the Household Support Fund focused on cost-of-living support, the CRF is aimed at financial crisis support and strengthening long‑term financial resilience. The fund is provided by the UK Government and will run until 31 March 2029. The scheme aims to help residents meet essential living costs, prevent financial problems from escalating, and improve long-term financial resilience.
What support is available?
The Worcestershire Crisis and Resilience Fund is delivered through Worcestershire County Council, the district councils and local partner organisations. The local scheme is currently being developed in line with Department for Work and Pensions guidance. This page will be updated as soon as more information becomes available. Support will be available through four key areas:
- Crisis Payments
- Housing Payments
- Resilience Services
- Community Coordination and wider support services
Crisis payments
Crisis Payments provide emergency financial support to people facing a short-term crisis who cannot afford essential living costs due to a sudden financial shock or unexpected reduction in income.
Support may include:
- Cash payments
- Energy vouchers
- Supermarket vouchers
- Essential household items and goods
Worcestershire Advice Network
Organisations in the Worcestershire Advice Network provide free and confidential advice on benefits, debt, housing, cost of living support and grants. Wyre Forest organisations in the Network include Citizens Advice Wyre Forest and North Worcestershire Age UK
Housing payments
If you receive Housing Benefit or Universal Credit (including the housing costs element), you may be eligible for additional support through Housing Payments where you are experiencing financial hardship.
Support with heating costs
Additional support is available for eligible low-income households who rely on heating oil or LPG and are struggling with rising energy costs. Contact our charity partners, Act on Energy 0800 988 2881 to find out more.
Heating repairs and replacements
Worcestershire residents whose heating systems have stopped working or developed a fault, and who cannot afford the necessary repairs or replacement because of a sudden financial shock or low household income, can now access the Heating Repairs and Replacements Scheme. Further details about the support available and how to apply can be found on the Act on Energy website.
Resilience services
Support may include:
- Maximising income and benefit entitlement
- Budgeting and money management
- Debt advice
- Energy advice and fuel poverty support
- Accessing employment, training and wider community services
Community support and Cost of Living help
The Crisis and Resilience Fund works alongside local charities, community groups and advice organisations to help residents access wider support with the cost of living.
Further information
For countywide information about the Crisis and Resilience Fund, including easy-read resources and partner services, visit Worcestershire County Council's Crisis and Resilience Fund webpage.