How to apply for a Crisis and Resilience Fund Housing Payment

If your Universal Credit (UC) or Housing Benefit does not cover your full rent, your local council can still help. From 1 April 2026, a new scheme called the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) took over from the old Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP). The Housing Payment element of the CRF works in a similar way. If you were eligible for a DHP before, you are very likely eligible now.

What the CRF Housing Payment is

The CRF Housing Payment is a top-up grant from your local council. It is designed to help when your benefit falls short of what your landlord charges. You do not pay it back.

The fund runs from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029. The rules are close to the old DHP scheme, so if you applied before you will find the process familiar.

What it can help with

You can ask for help with:

• a rent shortfall — the gap between what your benefit covers and your actual rent
• a deposit — to help you secure a new home
• rent in advance — if your landlord asks for the first month up front
• moving costs — including storage if you need to relocate

Who can apply

You must be receiving Housing Benefit or a housing costs element through Universal Credit. Your council will look at your income, savings, and personal circumstances when deciding.

Payments are discretionary. Each council decides whether to award help and how much to give. That means it is always worth applying, even if you are unsure you will qualify.

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How to apply

You apply through your local council's website. If you are not sure which council covers your address, Turn2us has a free postcode search that links you straight to your local authority's application page.

When you apply, have these ready:

• your tenancy agreement
• proof of your benefit award — for example, your UC payment statement
• a recent bank statement

Most councils let you apply online, by phone, or in person.

What happens after you apply

Your council will write to you with its decision. If it approves, the money usually goes straight to your landlord. If you receive Housing Benefit, the payment may arrive alongside it. If you are on UC, it may come as a separate monthly payment.

If your rent gap is ongoing, you can apply more than once. Councils can make repeat awards where the need continues.

Apply as soon as you spot a gap in your rent. Waiting can let arrears build up, and that makes everything harder to sort out. If you need help filling in the form, Citizens Advice and Shelter both offer free support.