Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF)

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has introduced the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), running from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029.

Funded by the UK Government, the CRF has been set up to help people who are struggling with essential costs or who face a sudden financial crisis.

This scheme replaces the Household Support Fund.

It also aims to help people become more financially secure in the longer term.

What can CRF help with?

The Crisis and Resilience Fund can provide support with essential needs, including:

  • energy and water costs, including heating, cooking and lighting
  • food and essential groceries
  • clothing, including school uniform and warm winter clothing
  • essential household items such as bedding, cooking equipment, white goods and other items needed to maintain health and wellbeing
  • housing‑related costs, such as help with a shortfall in rent, urgent housing expenses, or other costs linked to a sudden financial shock
  • costs that reduce risk of crisis or harm, such as hygiene items, cleaning products and basic home essentials
  • help to prevent future money problems, including support to get your finances back on track and access to everyday essentials

Support available in Solihull

You can access CRF support through the following local schemes and services.

Discretionary Crisis Fund (DCF)

Provided by Solihull Council

DCF provides support with energy costs and essential household items for people in urgent need. It can also make referrals to food banks but does not provide cash or loans.

How to apply

Please call us on 0121 704 8284 or visit the webpage for an application form

Community Advice Hubs

Provided by Age UK Solihull

Open to all residents (aged 18 years and over), the Community Advice Hubs provide support with:

  • essential household items
  • energy arrears
  • items to help you keep warm and well

How to apply

For further information please visit the webpage or telephone the Community Advice Hubs on 0121 709 7597, Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm.

Solihull Food Bank Network

Provided by:

  • Helping Hands (Christian Renewal Centre)
  • We Care UK
  • North Solihull Food Bank (Kingfisher)

Providing food parcels to people who do not have immediate access to food.

How to apply

For an emergency food parcel please call us on 0121 704 8001 to request a referral.

Boiler servicing and repairs

Provided by Act on Energy

Eligible households can receive support to service or repair your boiler.

How to apply

For advice and support please ring the free Act on Energy advice line on:

You can find out more information on Act On Energy’s website.

For further information on more support for households in Solihull please visit our other Here2Help webpages.

You can also find help to pay for school uniforms.

Additional support is available at the government’s Cost of Living Hub.

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