The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) launched in England on 1 April 2026. This new Government-funded scheme helps people cope with unexpected financial crisis and prevent ongoing hardship. It also brings changes to Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs).
If you are struggling with money, housing costs or an unexpected financial crisis, support may be available. Choose the option that best describes what you need.
What do you need help with?
I need urgent financial help
I need a Crisis Payment for short-term emergency needs caused by a recent financial crisis. I need help with food, energy or another essential cost.
I am struggling with housing costs
I am coping today but my housing costs are building up. I am having difficulty with rent shortfalls, deposits, rent in advance and other housing costs.
I want to improve my financial wellbeing
I need to find further advice on benefits, debt, budgeting, household costs, and other longer term money pressures or I am supporting another resident and would like to help them access advice and guidance.
I am a professional who would like to see Crisis and Resilience Fund updates.
Information for professionals, voluntary and community organisations, and anyone supporting a Dudley resident.
Other urgent support
Other help is available if you need urgent support with food, heating, homelessness, domestic abuse, baby essentials or your mental health.
About the Crisis and Resilience Fund
The Crisis and Resilience Fund helps Dudley residents experiencing immediate financial hardship and supports people to become more financially resilient over time.
Crisis Payment
Short-term help for people facing an immediate financial crisis.
Housing Payment
Support with some housing costs for people who meet the scheme criteria.
Resilience Services
Support that can help people manage money pressures and reduce the risk of future crisis.
Community Coordination
Working with local organisations so residents can be connected to the right support.
Building longer-term financial wellbeing
The fund supports Dudley's wider approach to tackling poverty and improving financial wellbeing by combining immediate crisis support with help that can reduce the risk of future financial difficulty.
Are you a professional helping a resident?
Professionals, voluntary and community organisations and other people supporting residents can find referral information, support routes and partner resources in one place.
Resident feedback survey
We'd love to hear about your experience of applying for support through the Crisis and Resilience Fund. If you've applied, please take a few minutes to complete our feedback survey. Your comments will help us understand what's working well and how we can improve the support we offer to residents.