The Crisis and Resilience Fund Housing Payment (CRF- Housing Payment) commences on 1 April 2026 and replaces the Discretionary Housing Payment scheme which has now ended. The CRF- Housing Payment is a payment that may be made in addition to a Housing Benefit (HB) award or housing element, awarded as part of Universal Credit (UC).

Awards of HB or the housing element of UC may not always cover the full rent you need to pay. So, if you receive HB or the housing element of UC and you are struggling to make ends meet and in need of temporary help, we may be able to provide extra financial assistance. 

  • Each CRF - Housing Payment application is considered in reference to the governing regulations, and our Policy concerning their administration (if you require a copy of the Policy, please see the foot of this page).
  • Each CRF - Housing Payment is considered on its own merits and circumstances and, in particular, the effect of the shortfall in HB or UC housing element would have on the claimant and their family.
  • If you are entitled to some HB or UC Housing Element but had your entitlement reduced because of a rent restriction, you may be able to claim to increase the maximum rent, on the grounds of financial hardship.
  • You may also apply to increase the amount of your entitlement after it has been calculated if your circumstances are considered exceptional. The CRF - Housing Payment can then top-up the weekly amount of HB or UC Housing Element in payment.
  • Please note: A CRF - Housing Payment will generally not be awarded for rent in advance. This is because HB or UC Housing Element will be awarded from when you move in, and the law states that a CRF - Housing Payment shouldn't also be awarded for the same period and reason; thereby avoiding duplicate provision.  

There is a fixed and limited amount available for CRF- Housing Payment for each council, and payments may only be made up to this permitted level. Please note that if an award is made, it will most likely be for a limited time.

You can claim if:

  • Your current property is in the Warwick District Council area: Find your local council. If you are seeking a CRF - Housing Payment to help you move into the WDC area, you must apply to the Local Authority where you are currently living. 
  • Your HB or UC Housing Cost Element does not cover your full rent and
  • You have difficulty paying rent whilst you are trying to find a suitable cheaper property, or you are actively looking for employment which will reduce your reliance on benefits. 
  • There are special reasons why you need to stay in a particular property, but the rent officer has restricted the amount of rent we use when we work out your benefit or,
  • You have unavoidable extra expenses because of special circumstances, such as disabilities or health problems. 
  • Important: The CRF - Housing Payment does not cover household expenses, storage costs, furniture, carpets, white goods, indeed you cannot claim any other household expenditure other than rent. For assistance with those expenses there is a another part of the Crisis and Resilience Fund administered by Warwickshire County Council. Please contact them as soon as you are able. 

How much CRF - Housing Payment will you get?

  • There is no fixed rate for such payments.
  • Each application is considered based on your individual circumstances. 

Apply

Important: Evidence to Support a CRF - Housing Payment Application: The evidence requested in the application form must be submitted. A CRF - Housing Payment will only be considered upon receipt of a completed application form and all evidence to support that application. If supporting evidence is not provided, the application will be rejected. 

Apply for CRF - Housing Payment 

Policy

Download the Crisis and Resilience Fund policy

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