Crisis and Resilience Fund policy

1.1 From 1 April 2026, Household Support Fund (HSF) and Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs) will end in England, to be replaced by the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF). The CRF has two elements, Crisis Payment and Housing Payment, which must both be administered in accordance with the CRF guidance (2026-2029); however, there are some distinctions between them which are reflected in this policy.

1.2 This policy explains the factors the Council will take into account when considering applications for a Crisis Payment and/or a Housing Payment and sets out the applicant’s rights when challenging a decision.

1.3 The main features are:

1.4 CRF is discretionary; applicants do not have a statutory right to receive a Crisis Payment or Housing Payment.

1.5 Crisis payments are intended as short-term temporary support to help applicants with an immediate risk of harm or hardship. It is not designed for repeated support for recurring, unresolved circumstances.

1.6 Each application is assessed for both Crisis Payment and Housing Payment on its individual merits, taking account of the applicant’s needs and circumstances.

1.7 The amount available to award in each financial year is cash‑limited.

1.8 A lump‑sum payment may be made to address rent arrears where appropriate for both Crisis Payment or Housing Payment.

1.9 The Council’s definition of a financial shock is as defined by the Crisis & Resilience Fund government guidance, as a sudden and unexpected expense or drop in income.

1.10 Applicants must be living within Buckinghamshire Council’s boundary to receive a Crisis Payment.

1.11 A minimum entitlement to Housing Benefit or Universal Credit (Housing Costs) must be in payment during the week a Housing Payment is awarded.

1.12 Housing Payments are usually intended as short‑term temporary support to help applicants through a difficult period, although in some circumstances support may be provided for longer.