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Crisis and Resilience Fund

The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) is a new scheme funded by the UK government.

In Kent, we will use it to help residents who are:

  • struggling with money
  • dealing with a sudden change in their life.

We understand that hard times can happen to anyone. The support is here to help you get through a crisis with care and understanding, and to focus on what matters most to you.

The CRF is meant to offer short-term help, including support to help you feel more stable in the future with your money. This includes early advice and working with local organisations, to help you get the right help at the right time and reduce the risk of future worries.

The scheme replaces the Household Support Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments.

When support will be available

Services will launch in stages across Kent. We expect the main crisis support scheme to be available from summer 2026. This page will be updated with full details, including how to apply, as soon as services are live.

These timings are an estimate and may change.

Read about the support currently available:

  • Support to pay for heating oil

    Support for low‑income households who rely on heating oil and are facing an immediate heating crisis.

  • Financial resilience

    Advice and practical help to enable you to manage your income and bills and plan ahead. This includes finance and budgeting advice and employment support.

  • Housing payment

    Housing payments from your local council, if you need extra help to keep your home.

  • Community coordination

    Working with services across Kent to provide coordinated support. We will work with you to connect you to the most appropriate local organisations.

  • Cost of living support

    Check if you are eligible for benefits, get advice about energy use and find out what help is available for bills, food, clothing, childcare and much more.

  • Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF)

    Families eligible for free school meals can get free activities and food through the Holiday Activities and Food Programme during school holidays.

  • District council Crisis and Resilience Fund support

    The district councils in Kent have been allocated their own funding to support their local residents. Find out what your local council is offering.

Funded by UK government

The Crisis and Resilience Fund is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions on behalf of the UK government.

  • Funded by the UK Government