The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) is available to help to Castle Point residents facing financial hardship by providing grants and other support. The fund is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions on behalf of the UK government.
The fund is available for a three-year period, from April 2026 to March 2029.
Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) ended on 31 March 2026. From 1 April 2026, DHPs will be replaced by the Housing Payment section of the CRF.
You may be able eligible to receive money from the fund if you're already getting Housing Benefit or Universal Credit.
Housing costs can include:
- Rental liability (ongoing rent)
- Rent in advance
- Tenancy deposit
- Removal or relocation costs
Other lump-sum payments essential for securing or preventing homelessness Housing Payments cannot be greater than what you're responsible to pay for your weekly rent. They are not long-term payments. They are awarded on a short-term basis while you take action to improve your circumstances.
CRF Eligibility
You can only qualify for an award if:
- you are entitled to housing benefit or can provide evidence that you are entitled to the housing element of Universal Credit; and
- pay rent and require further assistance with housing costs
CRF is a temporary solution while you find a way to cover your rental shortfall by, for example, finding work or moving to affordable accommodation.
Please note that if you have made a claim for rent in advance and/or deposit and already moved into the property, you will not receive an award in this circumstance.
How to apply
If you need assistance applying, please contact us during our opening hours and one of our team members can help you.
Upload evidence to support your claim