The Crisis and Resilience Fund: what replaced the Household Support Fund
The Household Support Fund closed in March 2026. Here's the fund that replaced it in England, what help you can get with food and energy, and how to apply through your council.
By Tom Rowland · Updated 21 July 2026 · Sourced to GOV.UK
What replaced the Household Support Fund
If you've searched for the 'Household Support Fund' and come up empty, that's why: it closed on 31 March 2026. In England it's been replaced by the Crisis and Resilience Fund, which runs from April 2026 — a government-funded pot (£858 million for 2026/27) handed to county and unitary councils to help households in hardship with essentials like food and energy.
It does much the same job as the old fund, under a new name — so the help hasn't gone away, it's just moved.
How to get help
Because the fund is run by each local council, exactly what's on offer and how you apply differs from area to area. Some councils give supermarket or energy vouchers, some make small cash grants, and some work through Citizens Advice or local food banks. The support is discretionary and the money is limited, so it's worth applying early rather than waiting.
The place to start is your local (county or unitary) council's website — look for 'Crisis and Resilience Fund', 'household support' or 'welfare assistance'. If you're not sure which council covers you, GOV.UK's 'find your local council' tool will point you to the right one.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
The Crisis and Resilience Fund covers England only. Elsewhere there are long-standing equivalents: in Scotland the Scottish Welfare Fund (Crisis Grants and Community Care Grants) through your council; in Wales the Discretionary Assistance Fund; and in Northern Ireland, Discretionary Support. Each helps with emergencies and essential costs for people on low incomes.
Common questions
Does the Household Support Fund still exist?
No. The Household Support Fund closed on 31 March 2026. In England it has been replaced by the Crisis and Resilience Fund from April 2026, which does a similar job — helping households in hardship with food, energy and essentials through their local council.
What is the Crisis and Resilience Fund?
A government-funded pot (£858 million for England in 2026/27) distributed by county and unitary councils to help low-income households with essential costs. It replaced the Household Support Fund from April 2026.
How do I apply for help?
Through your local council. What's offered — vouchers, small grants, or referrals to Citizens Advice or food banks — varies by area, so check your council's website for 'Crisis and Resilience Fund', 'household support' or 'welfare assistance'. Funds are limited, so apply early.
What can the fund help with?
Typically essentials such as food, energy and other urgent household costs for people facing hardship. Exact support is set by each council.
What about Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?
They have their own schemes: the Scottish Welfare Fund in Scotland, the Discretionary Assistance Fund in Wales, and Discretionary Support in Northern Ireland — all offering emergency help with essential costs for people on low incomes.
Sources: GOV.UK — Crisis and Resilience Fund: guidance for local authorities · GOV.UK — Household Support Fund guidance (archive) · GOV.UK — Find your local council · mygov.scot — Scottish Welfare Fund. PreparedBritain is independent and not affiliated with HM Government.
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