Crisis and Resilience Fund

Information on the Crisis and Resilience Fund

Contents

Crisis and Resilience Fund






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The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and runs from the 1 of April 2026 until 31 March 2029.

The CRF is a trauma informed, person centred and needs led provision and is not administered on a 'first come, first served' basis. The fund helps people recover from a financial shock and stop money problems getting worse.

Support is given based on need, not on who applies first.

Aims of the Crisis and Resilience Fund

The Crisis and Resilience Fund in Staffordshire aims to:

  • Help people quickly so that small money problems do not become big crises
  • Build financial resilience, so people are better able to cope if something unexpected happens again
  • Reduce the need for emergency support in the future
  • Connect people to the right local support, such as advice services and community organisations

How will we do this?

Our aim is to make sure people feel supported, understood, and able to move forward, not just get through a short‑term crisis.

We will do this by:

  • Working closely with local services, charities and community groups
  • Making it easier for people to be referred to the right support at the right time
  • Offering a joined‑up support journey, so people do not have to keep telling their story
  • Helping people feel more confident managing their money and staying independent

Fund Strands

The CRF is made up of four key strands:

1. Crisis Payments

Providing short term emergency financial support for people in crisis, for essential items such as food and fuel

2. Housing Payments

Offering financial assistance to households experiencing a shortfall in their housing costs, helping prevent homelessness or housing instability.

3. Resilience Services

Funding services delivered by councils or external providers aimed at improving financial resilience, stability, and independence.

4. Community Coordination

Strengthening and financially investing in local communities by bringing together voluntary and community sector organisations to support individuals.

Additional Financial Support 

There is a range of additional financial support for people in need of help including: 

  • Benefit Calculator - Better Off Calculator or Turn2us Benefits Calculator - For information on income-related benefits, contribution-based benefits, Universal Credit, Council Tax Reduction and Carer’s Allowance. 
  • Citizen’s Advice - Citizens Advice - Free, confidential, and independent advice on a vast range of issues, including debt, benefits, housing, employment, and consumer rights. 
  • Here to help - cost of living support - On these pages you will find information, advice, and support to help you manage cost of living pressures. 
  • Help for households - Get Government cost of living support - View the Government's website to see what cost of living support you could be eligible for. 
  • Free School Meals – Applying for free school meals - Find out who can apply for free school meals, what the eligibility criteria are, and how to make an application online. 
  • Holiday Activities and Food - Holiday Activities and Food - Fun, food and support for children during school holidays. 
  • Find ways to save money in your home - GOV.UK - If you own a property in England or Wales you can get recommendations for home improvements that could make your property cheaper to heat and keep warm. 
  • Step Change - StepChange - free and non-judgemental debt advice and support to people across the UK 
  • Money Helper - MoneyHelper - Free and impartial help with money, backed by the government. 
  • Shelter - Shelter England - Find out where you could get money or help if you need it quickly  
  • AgeUK - Age UK - For help with managing finances, arranging care, and getting support. 

Wider Family Support