From 1 April 2026, the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) becomes Cornwall's main scheme for providing emergency financial help and supporting residents to build long term financial stability.
It replaces the Household Support Fund and the Crisis and Care Scheme, which have now closed.
For information about help with the rising cost of heating oil, there is a 'Crisis and Resilience Fund Energy' support scheme, find out more by visiting the page linked below.
Crisis and Resilience Fund Energy support schemeThe CRF offers crisis payments, housing related support (previously discretionary housing payments), and wraparound advice to help residents recover from financial shocks and avoid future crises. This may come directly from the Council or through one of our trusted partners.
What kind of help is available?
Depending on your circumstances, support may include:
- emergency financial help
- help with essential household costs
- support to remain safely in your home
- warm referrals to debt advice, benefits support, support to secure employment/increase your skills
- housing Assistance
Who can apply for help?
Residents can apply for Crisis Payments (under CRF) if they:
- are aged 16 or over
- are in an emergency or disaster situation where immediate help is needed to avoid serious risk to health or safety
- can prove their financial need
You cannot apply if you:
- have received more than £1500 in Crisis and Support in the last 12 months
- already received financial help from another source for the same need (unless it was insufficient)
- are in hospital
- are not a UK resident
Residents who need help to live safely and independently in the community may be eligible for support if they:
- live in Cornwall
- receive a qualifying benefit (e.g. income support, income based JSA, pension credit, income related ESA, or maximum Universal Credit)
- have received less than £1500 from the scheme (or similar previous scheme) in the last 12 months
- need help to return to, remain in, or set up a home in the community
- need support to stay safe, maintain independence, or manage essential travel for family emergencies
How to apply
You will need to complete 2 forms.
- For the first stage you will need to complete the 'Crisis and Resilience Fund application' please tell us about the crisis situation that you are in.
- For the 2nd stage, you will need to use the 'Better Off Calculator', will collect all of your income and expenditure details. This will help us ensure that you get the most appropriate help and advice.
- At the end of the 'Better Off Calculator' process there will be an option to 'Share with an adviser', please click on this button.
- When asked to send an email, choose 'Crisis and Resilience Team'.
Please note that you will also be required to provide your last 2 most recent bank statements (for all current and savings accounts).
Crisis and Resilience Fund application
What's changing from the 'Household Support Fund'?
- Working age households will no longer receive automatic payments
- To support the transition, Cornwall Council will make a one off £100 payment in Autumn 2026 to:
- pensioner households in receipt of Council Tax Support on 31 August 2026
- adults requiring domiciliary care and receiving a financial contribution towards the cost of the care from Cornwall Council
These households can still apply to the CRF if they experience a financial crisis
Accessing other support
A range of support is already available through a number of organisations and schemes. These can be found on our 'Cost of living' pages.
View our cost of living support pagesThe Cornwall 'Worrying about Money?' leaflet is a simple resource for people facing financial crisis and those supporting them. It helps to quickly see available advice and support options and which agencies are best placed to help.
Read the 'Worrying about Money' leaflet
You can also use our Better Off benefits and budgeting calculator. This will help you find out about any benefits that you could be entitled to and other ways you may be able to increase your household income.
Use the Better Off benefits & budgeting calculator
Citizens Advice Cornwall can also offer a wide range of support including debt and benefit advice. Call 0808 812 7156, 10am - 4pm Mon-Fri.
Information and advice can be found below for anyone at risk of or experiencing financial hardship:
- Cost of living hub
- Council Tax Support
- Support for residents struggling with the cost of living
- Transformation Cornwall Grants List
- Help with Food | Lets Talk Cornwall
- Community Energy plus | Independent Energy Experts
- How to apply - Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start)
Mental health
People are also reminded that there is a wealth of support available for anyone struggling with their mental health.
Mental health support pagesIf you are worried about your own or someone else's mental health, call the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly 24/7 NHS mental health response line on 0800 038 5300. It's free to access by anyone, any age, anytime, day or night.
Further reading about the fund
You can read more information about the fund in the Individual decision report.