Crisis and Resilience Fund
The Crisis and Resilience Fund is funding provided by the government to local authorities to help low income households facing financial pressure but with a stronger focus on helping people become more financially resilient over time.
From 1 April 2026, it replaces in full the Household Support Fund (HSF) and Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) grant funding.
The CRF is a multi year fund covering 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029. Wandsworth Council’s CRF allocation for 2026/27 is £3,772,569.
What the fund will pay for
The CRF brings together support across 4 different strands:
- Crisis support (short term help in an emergency)
- Housing support (help with a shortfall in housing rent costs)
- Resilience support (help to stabilise your finances for the longer term)
- Community Co-ordination (connecting and improving community support)
Who is eligible
You may be eligible if:
- You live in the London Borough of Wandsworth, and
- You are a low income household experiencing financial pressure or an unexpected financial shock and need short term help to stay safe and well
Crisis support
Crisis payments
Crisis payments can be assessed through the Wandsworth Discretionary Social Fund.
Crisis payments are available to low income households who are experiencing unexpected financial pressures. Under this scheme, crisis payments are intended to meet occasional or short-term needs and cannot provide an alternative source of regular income.
Request support through the WDSF
Free school meals holiday support
Means-tested free school meals holiday vouchers will continue to be issued up to and including the May half term holiday period 2026.
From the summer holiday onwards, additional support will be given through the Holiday Activity and Food Programme (HAF). This provides activities and healthy meals for children entitled to means-tested free school meals and includes the provision of breakfast/holiday packs.
If you are eligible for free school meals but not currently claiming, or are unsure about your eligibility, you should check your eligibility and apply.
Housing support
If you are struggling to pay your rent, you may be entitled to an additional Housing Payment on top of your normal Housing Benefit or Universal Credit payments.
Resilience support
If you are struggling with the costs of living, advice and support continues to be provided through our partnership with Citizens Advice.
Financial inclusion support is also available within our Council Tax, Housing Benefit, Housing Rents and Discretionary Support teams if you are struggling to pay your Council Tax, you have a Housing Benefit Overpayment, you are a Council tenant and are struggling to pay your rent, or you have a financial emergency and require crisis support.
Officers will work with you to help you manage those debts, access benefits and support that you are entitled to, and access crisis support if you are in immediate need and meet the eligibility criteria.
For further information please contact:
Community coordination
We continue to work with trusted local partners so residents can access support quickly and safely.
Further support and advice
If you require any further support or advice on the cost of living, visit our Cost of Living Hub.
The government's cost of living support web pages also provide guidance.
Development of CRF proposals
This package of support ensures a continuation of key advice and support whilst fuller CRF spending plans are developed. Discussions are ongoing with our voluntary sector partners to get their input and feedback on how best to support residents and maximise successful use of the CRF. A full set of proposals will be agreed in June 2026.
