Crisis and Resilience Fund

The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) is funding provided by the government to local authorities to help low income households facing financial pressure but with a stronger focus on helping people become more financially resilient over time. 

From 1 April 2026, it replaces in full the Household Support Fund (HSF) and Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) grant funding.

The CRF is a multi year fund covering 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029. Richmond Council’s CRF allocation for 2026/27 is £1,396,489. 

What the fund will pay for

The CRF brings together support across 4 different strands:

1. Crisis support (short term help in an emergency)
2. Housing support (help with a shortfall in housing rent costs)
3. Resilience support (help to stabilise your finances for the longer term)
4. Community Co-ordination (connecting and improving community support)

Who is eligible

You may be eligible if:

• You live in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, and
• You are a low income household experiencing financial pressure or an unexpected financial shock and need short term help to stay safe and well.

Support for disabled residents and carers

Residents with long term health conditions, disabilities and carers can access support through Richmond’s disability advice partner, RAID. 

Crisis support

Crisis payments

Our crisis payment scheme continues to be delivered by Citizens Advice Richmond and RAID (Richmond Advice & Information on Disability).

Crisis payments are available to low income households who are experiencing unexpected financial pressures. Under this scheme, crisis payments are intended to meet occasional or short-term needs and cannot provide an alternative source of regular income.

How to apply

For more information on the grant or to apply, visit the Citizens Advice Richmond website, or call on freephone 080 82 78 78 73. Lines are open 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. 

You can also apply for the grant by completing an online form.

For people with long term health conditions, disabilities and carers, contact RAID:

• Email: advice@raid.charity
• Telephone: 020 3393 7011
•  Website: Crisis and Resilience Fund

Free school meals - holiday support

Means-tested free school meals holiday vouchers will continue to be issued up to and including the Easter holiday period 2026.

From the May half term holiday onwards, additional support will be given through the Holiday Activity and Food Programme run by Achieving for Children (AfC). This provides activities and healthy meals for children entitled to means-tested free school meals.

If you are eligible for free school meals but not currently claiming, or are unsure about your eligibility, you should check your eligibility and apply.

Housing support

If you are struggling to pay your rent, you may be entitled to an additional Housing Payment on top of your normal Housing Benefit or Universal Credit payments. 

Resilience support

If you are struggling with the costs of living, advice and support continues to be provided through our partnerships with Citizens Advice, RAID and Age UK Richmond.

Financial inclusion support is also available within our Council Tax and Housing Benefits teams if you are struggling to pay your Council Tax, you have a Housing Benefit Overpayment, or you have a financial emergency and require crisis support. 

Officers will work with you to help you manage those debts, access benefits and support that you are entitled to, and access crisis support if you are in immediate need and meet the eligibility criteria.

Contact our Council Tax or Housing Benefit teams to find out more.  

Community coordination

We continue to work with trusted local partners so residents can access support quickly and safely.

Further support and advice

If you require any further support or advice on the cost of living, visit our Cost of Living Hub.

The government's cost of living support web pages also provide guidance.

Development of CRF proposals

This package of support ensures a continuation of key advice and support whilst fuller CRF spending plans are developed. Discussions are ongoing with our voluntary sector partners to get their input and feedback on how best to support residents and maximise successful use of the CRF.

A full set of proposals will be agreed in June 2026.