About
The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) is a UK Government funded support scheme for low-income households who encounter a financial shock and to support activity that builds individual and community financial resilience. It replaces the Household Support Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments.
This is a multi-year fund running from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029. Merton Council's CRF allocation for 2026/2027 is £2,258,442, of which £430,653is ringfenced towards Housing Payments.
Crisis Payment
A Crisis Payment is emergency financial relief available to low-income households who are experiencing unexpected financial pressure. Crisis payments are intended to meet occasional or short-term needs and cannot provide an alternative source of regular income.
Our Crisis Payment scheme continues to be provided by Wimbledon Guild.
Find out more about the Crisis Payment scheme and apply.
Housing Payment
A Housing Payment can be provided as short term financial assistance specifically if you are struggling with housing costs. This includes reducing rent arrears, assisting with costs linked to securing a new tenancy, or providing support to prevent homelessness.
Find out more about the Housing Payment scheme and apply.
Further Funded Support
We are funding projects that help our residents become more financially resilient in the long-term. These include:
- Benefit Maximisation: helping residents access the benefits and financial support they are entitled to.
- Advice Outreach Service: funding community-based advice providing support with debt, housing, benefits and financial wellbeing.
- Specialist Debt & Disability Advice: using dedicated advisers to support residents with complex debt and disability-related issues.
- Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme: providing activities, nutritious meals and childcare support for children from low-income families during the school holidays.
- Home Energy Checks & Repairs: assessing energy efficiency of homes and providing essential heating repairs to reduce fuel poverty and improve home safety.
- Carers Crisis Prevention Support: funding advice, information and targeted support to help unpaid carers avoid financial crisis.
- Carers Discretionary Grant: providing direct financial assistance for unpaid carers experiencing financial hardship.
Community Coordination
We will continue to work with our trusted local partners so residents can access support quickly and safely.
If you require any further support or advice on the cost of living, please visit our Cost of Living Support page.
