Crisis and Resilience Fund
From the 1 April 2026, the central UK government has implemented a new fund called the Crisis and Resilience Fund. This fund (CRF) has been made available to Local Authorities in England by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and is intended to help people on low incomes, as well as supporting activities and initiatives that help individuals and communities become more financially secure.
The Crisis and Resilience Fund consists of four avenues of support:
-Crisis Payment- Providing support to those in crisis. This is administered by East Sussex County Council. Please see the weblink below for more information and to apply.
-Housing Payment-Providing financial support to those who have a shortfall in meeting their housing costs. This replaces Discretionary Housing Payments and is administered by your Local Authority, please see below for eligibility criteria and how to apply.
-Resilience Services-Services to improve financial resilience. This is administered by East Sussex County Council. Please see the weblink below for more information.
-Community Coordination- Investment in activities that connect local support. This is administered by East Sussex County Council. Please see the weblink below for more information.
Housing Payment
This replaces Discretionary Housing Payments from the 1st April 2026 and is administered by your Local Authority. The Housing Payment provides financial support towards housing costs where there is a shortfall.
Who can get a Housing Payment
To get a Housing Payment you must :
- live within the Wealden District
- receive either Housing Benefit or Universal Credit that also includes the Housing Costs element
- be able to demonstrate financial need
Housing Payments can be paid for, but not limited to,
-shortfalls between rent liability and support
-rent in advance
-rent deposits
-other lump sum costs associated with a housing need, such as removal costs
Housing Payments will not be paid for
-shortfalls caused by Housing benefit or Universal Credit overpayment recovery or any other sanctions or reductions
-Ineligible service charges included in your rent such as water, meals etc.
-Rent that is clearly excessive
-Increases in rent due to outstanding rent arrears
How to apply
You can apply via the Apply4Online portal to register an account or log in:
If you have applied for any financial help in the past using the Apply4Online portal, you can use the same account to make your Housing Payment application.
Before we consider awarding a Housing Payment, we will check that you have claimed all other benefits that you are entitled to and that they are being paid correctly. We will look at the information you have provided on your application to establish your financial and personal circumstances so please give us as much detail as possible, and upload the evidence required, in order for us to consider your request. If we have to contact you for more information this will delay a decision being made on your application. Once we have made a decision we will write to you to inform you.
Please note that we may contact you through the portal if we need further information so look out for any notifications from us.
If you would like more information about the Crisis and Resilience Housing Payment scheme please view our Crisis and Resilience Housing Payment Policy
Please refer to the websites below for more information on the general Crisis and Resilience Fund
Crisis and Resilience Fund | East Sussex County Council