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Crisis and Resilience Fund policy

Last updated: 1 May 2026

12. Qualifying criteria for Housing Payments

12.1 A Housing Payment will only be awarded where the applicant meets the following conditions:

the applicant is entitled to and in receipt of Housing Benefit (HB); or
the applicant is entitled to and in receipt of Universal Credit (UC) that includes the housing costs element towards a rental liability; and
there is a shortfall between the applicant’s eligible rent (actual rent minus any ineligible service charges such as water, heating, meals, or personal charges) and the amount of housing support they receive.

12.2 A Housing Payment cannot be awarded for the following:

to meet increases in rent arising solely due to outstanding rent arrears
to cover mortgage costs
to pay Council Tax
to cover any shortfall created by recovery of benefit overpayments
for individuals with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF), as entitlement to HB or UC is a mandatory eligibility requirement

12.3 Housing Payments may be used to support applicants with: