Crisis and Resilience Fund and housing payments
Crisis and Resilience Fund
The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) is a new multi‑year national programme funded by the Department for Work and Pensions to help people in Gloucestershire who are facing financial hardship, while also strengthening long‑term community resilience. Running from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029, it replaces the previous Household Support Fund.
The fund provides support for residents experiencing sudden financial crises, such as difficulty affording food, fuel, essential household items, or emergency living costs, and backing local organisations that offer advice, wellbeing support, and services that help people become more financially secure. Gloucestershire County Council administers this.
Find out more about the Crisis and Resilience Fund
Housing payments
Housing payments (HP) may provide extra money if you need help with your housing costs. We assess every case individually by looking at the finances and personal circumstances of the person making the claim.
Housing payments are not guaranteed.
Housing payments form part of the Crisis and Resilience Fund and are administered by Cheltenham Borough Council until 31 March 2028.
Can I apply?
You can apply for a HP if you’re receiving housing benefit or the housing costs element of Universal Credit and you need help with:
- shortfalls in rent
- rent in advance payments
- help with moving costs
- a deposit to help secure rented accommodation
Housing payments can't be paid for certain services included in your rent such as meals, water, gas, electric and so on. It also does not cover shortfalls in your benefit due to sanctions or recovery of overpayments.
How do I apply?
To make a claim for a housing payment you will need to complete an online claim form.
Apply for a housing paymentTo support your claim you will need to give us any relevant evidence such as proof of any ill health or disabilities, debts outstanding and what steps you are taking to improve your situation.
You can email this information to us at benefits@cheltenham.gov.uk or by post to: Revenues and benefits, Cheltenham Borough Council, Municipal Offices, Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 9SA.
Further information
Each April the government gives us a certain amount of money towards this fund and we can also make a contribution, up to a maximum level set by the government. The fund is cash limited and has to last the full year.
For more information about how about we manage housing payments, please read the housing payment policy.
