From 1 April 2026, a new package of local, emergency cost-of-living support is set to begin across the UK, following updated guidance issued to councils.
The change centres on a new Crisis and Resilience Fund, designed to help households struggling with essentials such as food, utilities, and household goods, and to provide targeted help with certain rental-related housing costs.
The fund replaces two existing routes of help that many people have relied on in recent years: the Household Support Fund (ending 31 March 2026) and Discretionary Housing Payments (also ending 31 March 2026 in England, with the new housing strand beginning the next day).
The headline point for claimants is simple: new support starts in April 2026, but eligibility and payment methods will depend on your local council.
What Is Changing In April 2026?
The Crisis and Resilience Fund will offer two main types of support:
- Crisis Payment – for individuals and families facing an immediate financial shock or risk of crisis.
- Housing Payment – a new strand designed to help with specific housing-related costs for eligible renters.
The government has described the fund as multi-year funding worth £1 billion, aimed at giving councils more certainty to support residents before problems escalate.
Payment Start Date And How You’ll Receive Money
Start Date
- New schemes begin from: 1 April 2026
- In many areas, applications are expected to be accepted year-round, but opening dates and processing times will vary by council.
How Payments Are Made
Councils are instructed to follow a cash-first approach for Crisis Payments. This means support should usually be offered as:
- Bank transfer
- Physical cash
- Cash-out vouchers
Councils may still offer vouchers when cash is not suitable (for example, where someone requests a voucher or where there are safeguarding concerns).
In some cases, councils may provide essential items instead of cash, depending on what is most appropriate.
Eligibility: Who Can Get The New Payments?
1) Crisis Payment Eligibility
Crisis Payments are intended to support a wide range of low-income households. Importantly, guidance states Crisis Payments should not be limited only to people receiving benefits.
Because councils have discretion, you may see differences between areas (often described as a “postcode lottery”). However, councils are advised to prioritise people who:
- Have had a sudden unexpected expense (e.g., emergency replacement costs after damage or loss)
- Have experienced a drop in income (e.g., redundancy or reduced hours)
- Are at risk of falling into a financial crisis
- Need help with essentials such as food, water, utilities, or household goods
2) Housing Payment Eligibility
Housing Payments are designed to help with housing costs for renters. To qualify, you must be entitled to either:
- Housing Benefit, or
- Universal Credit with housing costs towards rental liability (including certain shared ownership arrangements where rent is due)
Housing support may cover one-off costs such as a deposit or rent in advance, and councils can decide the award duration. Housing Payments can also be backdated in certain circumstances, but only for periods where the linked Housing Benefit/Universal Credit housing element is payable.
Payments may be made directly to third parties (such as landlords, agents, or appointees) where appropriate.
At-A-Glance: April 2026 Cash Support
| Payment Type | What It Helps With | Who May Qualify | How It’s Paid | Key Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crisis Payment | Essentials like food, utilities, household goods, emergency needs | Low-income households in crisis (not limited to benefit claimants) | Cash-first (bank transfer/cash/cash-out voucher); vouchers/items in some cases | Starts 1 Apr 2026 |
| Housing Payment | Rental-related costs such as deposits/rent in advance; shortfalls linked to rent | People on Housing Benefit or UC with housing costs | Paid to claimant or third parties; may be backdated | Starts 1 Apr 2026 |
How To Apply
You will access the Crisis and Resilience Fund through your local council. Most councils are expected to offer:
- An online application
- A phone option or in-person support for those who are digitally excluded
Because councils set local rules, it’s worth checking what evidence they ask for (for example, proof of income drop, rent liability, or urgent household need).
FAQs
Do I need to be on benefits to get the Crisis Payment?
Not necessarily. Crisis Payments are intended for low-income households and aren’t restricted only to benefit claimants, although councils may prioritise certain groups.
When will the new payments actually arrive?
Schemes start from 1 April 2026, but payment timing depends on your council’s processing and your application outcome.
Can Housing Payments cover deposits or rent in advance?
Yes. Housing Payments can support one-off rental costs like a deposit or rent in advance, as long as you meet the eligibility rules (Housing Benefit or UC with housing costs).