Chancellor Rachel Reeves has unveiled a £1 billion-per-year Crisis & Resilience Fund, replacing the Household Support Fund, to provide targeted voucher-based support for households struggling with basic expenses.
Starting in summer 2025, this multi-year initiative aims to ease cost-of-living pressures across the UK.
What Is the Crisis & Resilience Fund?
The Scheme offers:
- Vouchers or cash grants for essentials like food, energy, and white goods
- Discretionary Housing Payments, funded through the same pool
- Support for families, pensioners, disabled people, and those facing short-term financial crises
It replaces the older model and gives local authorities increased flexibility to tailor help where it’s needed most.
How It Works Regionally
| Region/Council | Support Type | Amount/Details |
|---|---|---|
| North Somerset | Food & utility vouchers | Up to £100 per household |
| Hull | Emergency cash | £200 payments to pensioners |
| Richmond (London) | Universal vouchers | Up to £600 for costs like food, energy, clothing |
| Across England | Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) | To cover rent shortfalls based on local need |
| Energy & Water Companies | Hardship/efficiency devices | Blankets, thermal cameras, appliance replacements |
Councils use local intelligence to decide on eligibility and delivery methods, which can include vouchers, direct payments, or goods.
Why This Matters
- 500,000+ more children qualify for free school meals under Universal Credit households, relieving school meal costs
- Includes funding for Discretionary Housing Payments, helping tenants cover rent shortfalls
- Aims to reduce food bank use by addressing financial emergencies quickly
What You Should Do
- Check your local council’s website for “Household Support Fund” or “Cost of Living” pages.
- Apply directly or use referrals, depending on council process.
- Keep proof such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or benefit notices.
- Watch for additional support—like free school meals or energy-saving initiatives—from utilities.
- Ask about DHP if your UC housing support doesn’t cover rent.
FAQ – Your Questions Answered
1. Who qualifies for the new voucher scheme?
Primarily households in financial distress: low-income families, pensioners, disabled people, and those with urgent needs.
2. Do I need to be on benefits?
Not necessarily. While benefits help verification, councils may help anyone with a significant financial need.
3. How much support can I get?
Support varies—£100 to £600—based on region and need. Contact your council for specifics.
4. Will it affect other benefits?
No—these grants and vouchers are non-taxable and do not affect your entitlement to Universal Credit or other benefits.
5. When will payments start?
Local rollout begins summer 2025 and will continue annually until March 2026 at a minimum.
Other Support Available
- Winter Fuel Payment: Reinstated for eligible pensioners, offering £200–£300 in winter months
- Free meals for children: The spending review extends free school meals to all eligible UC households
- Housing and transport investment: £39 billion earmarked for social housing and infrastructure to reduce long-term living costs
Final Takeaway
If you’re struggling with food, heating, clothing, or housing costs, the £1 billion Crisis & Resilience Fund is designed to help—quickly, flexibly, and locally. Start by checking your council’s website or your utility provider’s support page today.
Take action now—don’t miss out on vital support to ease your household budget.